He reached out, his thumb gently tracing the line of her jaw, tilting her head up so she had no choice but to look at him. "Let me worry about the risks, Elena. Right now, the only thing that matters is this."
The heavy oak doors of the Chancellor’s private office clicked shut, cutting off the bustling noise of the university hallway. Elena stood rooted to the spot, clutching a stack of files against her chest like a shield. Behind the massive mahogany desk sat the man she had been avoiding for three full weeks. Chancellor by Lexi Ray
"You're late, Miss Vance," he said, his voice a low, gravelly baritone that sent a sharp shiver straight down her spine. He reached out, his thumb gently tracing the
"I apologize, Chancellor," Elena replied, striving to keep her voice professional and steady. "The board meeting ran over." Elena stood rooted to the spot, clutching a
Elena looked up, her heart hammering against her ribs. He leaned down, placing one hand on the back of her chair and the other on the desk, effectively trapping her. The scent of expensive cologne, cedarwood, and pure authority enveloped her senses.
He didn't look up immediately. He was signing a document, his hand moving with precise, practiced efficiency. The late afternoon sun filtered through the tall, arched windows, catching the sharp lines of his jaw and the dark, impeccably tailored suit that seemed to radiate power.
"You know exactly why I'm avoiding you," she whispered, her resolve melting under his intense stare. "We can't do this. Your position... my standing... it's too risky."