The silence of the office was no longer empty; it was thick, vibrating with the sudden, violent collision of propriety and desire. Alistair’s fingers were buried in the warmth of Sophie’s thigh, the skin there soft and yielding, like heated silk. He could feel the frantic beat of her pulse through her skin, or perhaps it was his own heart hammering against his ribs, trying to break free.
"You are playing a very dangerous game, Sophie," Alistair whispered, his voice a ragged edge of its former self.
Sophie leaned in, her lips barely brushing his ear, her breath a hot, jasmine-scented gale.
"I've always been a bit of a gambler, Professor. And the stakes here feel... exhilarating."
"You could be expelled. I could lose my tenure."
"But you won't," she murmured, her hand sliding up his che
