Chapter 8: A Dangerous Game

I froze.

Angela's breath hitched beside me.

Her husband, James, stood at the doorway, his eyes scanning the room. His face was unreadable, calm, almost too calm.

My heart pounded, but I kept my face neutral. Years of sneaking around had taught me one thing never look guilty unless you're caught.

Angela quickly stepped forward, her voice carefully controlled. "James… what are you doing here?"

He tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly. "I could ask you the same thing."

Angela let out a soft, nervous laugh. "I was just finishing up some work."

James's gaze flickered to me. "And him?"

I met his stare head-on, keeping my voice steady. "I was dropping off a paper."

Angela nodded quickly. "Yes. Frank had some coursework issues. I told him to come by."

James didn't blink. His eyes flicked across the room, taking in the slightly disheveled desk, Angela's flushed face, the faint scent of sweat and lust that still lingered in the air.

For a moment, the silence stretched too long.

Then, James exhaled, shaking his head. "Work, huh?" His lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile. "You always overwork yourself, Angie."

Angela let out a breath, forcing a chuckle. "You know me."

James turned to me again. "And you, Frank… What's your major again?"

"Business Administration." My response was smooth, automatic.

He nodded slowly. "Smart guy. You'll go far."

I forced a grin. "That's the plan."

James's eyes lingered on me for a second longer than necessary. Something about his gaze made my skin prickle.

Then, just like that, he shrugged. "Well, don't let me interrupt. I just came to check if you were coming home for dinner, Angie."

Angela relaxed slightly. "Yeah. I'll be home soon."

James gave her a slow nod. "Alright." He turned back to me. "Nice meeting you, Frank."

I smiled. "Likewise."

Without another word, he walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.

The moment he was gone, Angela exhaled sharply, slumping into her chair.

"Fuck," she whispered, rubbing her temples. "That was too close."

I leaned against the desk, my heartbeat finally slowing. "You think he knows?"

Angela shook her head quickly, but her hands trembled. "No. No, if he knew, he wouldn't have just walked away. He's… cautious, but he's not suspicious. Not yet."

I exhaled. "Then we keep it that way."

Angela nodded, but her face was still pale. "Yeah. Yeah, you're right."

I straightened, grabbing my bag. "I should go."

She caught my wrist. "Frank…"

I glanced down at her.

Her eyes searched mine. "Be careful."

I smirked. "Always."

But as I stepped out of her office and into the cool night air, something gnawed at me.

James had looked me in the eye.

And I couldn't shake the feeling

He knew something.

I got back to my dorm, exhausted. My body felt heavy as I collapsed onto the bed, my mind still replaying the night's events. I didn't even realize when I drifted off.

The next thing I knew, the sun was shining bright through my window.

I groaned, rubbing my eyes and reaching for my phone. 9:00 AM.

Shit.

I had class at 8.

I shot up from bed, already thinking of an excuse. Then it hit me, it was Angela's class.

I chuckled to myself. No point in rushing now. She was already in my pocket.

After a quick shower, I decided to grab something to eat. The closest eatery was just a short walk from the dorm. As I stepped in, my eyes landed on someone familiar, Kira.

She sat alone, scrolling through her phone, completely unbothered.

Perfect.

I walked over and pulled out a chair. "Mind if I join you?"

She barely looked up. "It's a free country."

I smirked. Hard to get. But that only made the game more interesting.

We ended up having a surprisingly good conversation nothing flirty, just light talk. She wasn't like the other girls. She didn't feed into my charm, didn't giggle at my jokes just because it was me. She was… different.

I liked it.

After finishing our food, I paid for both meals before she could argue, then we walked back to the dorm together. She was still a hard nut to crack, but I wasn't backing down.

At the dorm entrance, she turned to me. "Thanks for breakfast."

I grinned. "Anytime."

She gave me a small nod, then walked inside without another word.

Interesting.

Back in my room, I checked my phone and found several missed calls and messages, Angela.

Angela: Why weren't you in class?

Angela: Everything okay?

Angela: Call me.

I sighed, already knowing what she was thinking.

I called her back, and she picked up immediately. "Frank? Where were you?"

"Relax," I said smoothly. "I overslept."

A pause. Then—"Oh. I thought maybe…"

Her voice trailed off.

I knew exactly what she was worried about. Her husband.

"Everything's fine," I reassured her. "Just overslept. That's all."

She exhaled. "Okay… but don't forget our deal."

I smirked. "Wouldn't dream of it."

"Good." Her voice softened. "But we need to change the location."

Smart move. I wasn't taking any chances with James.

"I agree," I said. "Send me the new spot later."

"I will."

With that, the call ended.

I tossed my phone aside and fell back onto my bed.

Still exhausted from last night's game.

Within minutes, I was out cold again.