"So, this is how it's going to be now?" Zack eyes us. I don't miss the hint of amusement in his voice.

I shrug, trying to ignore the heat crawling up my neck when Lucas sucks on the underside of my jaw. He plasters his chest to my back and his arms come around to skim down my thighs. I shift in his lap and clear my throat. Surprisingly enough, Lucas is big on PDA. He doesn't care who sees us. I think he secretly enjoys an audience. So far our only audience has been Zack and he's a saint for putting up with Lucas' antics. He shakes his head at us and takes another hit of his joint.

"You guys exclusive?" He asks through the smoke filling his mouth.

I press my lips together, unsure of how to answer. Lucas and I haven't exactly put a label on whatever this is. It's not like we outwardly said this is a relationship even though that is what this seems to be. I glance at him over my shoulder and he smirks back. He's enjoying watching me squirm and I narrow my eyes.

"He better be," I warn and Lucas chuckles. He wraps my hair around his fist and gently tugs me back against him.

"You're stupid if you think there's anyone else," He says in my ear before he nips it. I bite the inside of my cheek to stop my smile.

"Everyone at home still thinks you hate each other," Zack looks all too excited at the prospect of us having to explain ourselves. Jerk.

I stand up from Lucas' lap. "Oh, I still hate him."

Lucas slaps my ass hard as I walk away and I can't stop my laugh. I open the cabinets and hear him call out, "Just for that, you're going to be on your knees for me tonight."

"Lucas!" I look back to scowl at him.

Zack fake gags and Lucas blinks, passive as ever. But I know better. I don't miss the promise in his eyes and my thighs clench from anticipation. His lips tug up because he knows exactly what he's doing to me and I quickly look away before I embarrass myself even more. The man has no filter and is absolutely unapologetic about it. It's something I'm still getting used to among other things.

It's been a week since we first slept together. You'd think us having sex would have put our lust to the ground but it only ignited it more. Lucas is hungry for me all the time and I'm no better. Every day he shows up to my dorm or calls me to his and we fuck like rabbits. It's not just fucking though. We talk a lot, getting to know each other again and everything we missed out on the past four years.

It's not perfect either but I never expected it to be. Sometimes we say things that hurts the other because we're still getting to used to whatever this is and get into pointless arguments. But then we talk about it and fix it and that's a miracle in itself. If there's one thing we never had between us it was communication so we have to work hard at it. We're not going to get it right just because we've decided to be together and it's a process that requires both our patience but we're willing to put in the work. We have been putting in the work. It's not easy but Lucas and I never were. But it's sure as hell rewarding because I've never felt this way before about anyone. He gets on my every nerve, he pushes me, provokes me. He also understands me, knows me, and tries for me.

It's not about immediately clicking with someone just because you care about them and want to be with them. It's about choosing them even when there are times you don't click and things are harder than you expected. The best things in life require hard work and you should always work hard for the people you care about. That's what loyalty is all about, after all.

If there's anything about Lucas it's that he's loyal. He's a prideful man and he hates all kinds of dishonesty. He'll give you a damn run for your money if he doesn't trust you but once he does, his loyalty is unshakable. It takes a lot to get past those walls but what's waiting there for you is worth it. I definitely think so and that's all that matters because I'm the one he's with. A smile stretches my lips at the thought. So maybe I'm as possessive of him as he is of me.

I place the bowl of chips on the coffee table, knowing we're all going to feel hungry soon. I take the joint from Zack and place it between my lips, cheeks going hollow as I take a drag. My eyes hold Lucas' and his jaw pulses, knowing damn well what I'm doing. I walk over to pass it to him, leaning down just as he parts his lips and releasing the smoke into his mouth. His groan is tortured and my laugh is all too pleased when I pull away, flopping down on the couch beside him.

"Please. Pretend like I'm not here," Zack retorts in a dry voice.

I choke down my laugh. "Sorry."

"You should bring your lady around," Lucas comments absentmindedly and puts the joint in his mouth. "You wouldn't be a third-wheel."

I look at Zack. "Is this lady the mysterious Rowan?"

Zack glares at Lucas like he could shoot him with his eyes and I immediately get my answer. Lucas snorts, not a care in the world as he blows out a stream of smoke.

"Just tell her. She's your best friend too, asshole."

"Feeling defensive of our Liv?" Zack smirks. He's been enjoying this side of Lucas way too much. I slip a hand over my mouth to conceal my smile when Lucas scowls. He may be vulnerable with me but he's still a complete ass to the world and I forget that until moments like these.

"Don't change the subject, you fuck. Tell her."

All traces of humour disappear from Zack and he looks down at the floor, a frown on his face. What's going on with him? I've tried asking him again and again after thanksgiving but he shot me down every time. Now he lifts his head and the look in his eyes tells me he'll finally answer.

"Rowan," He starts and clears his throat. It looks like he's forcing himself to say the words and for the life of me I can't figure out why. "Rowan Alvarez. The History prof."

Oh.

Oh.

My mouth drops on its own accord and the tip of Zack's ears go red. He huffs in frustration and looks away again, clearly uncomfortable at my reaction. I can't help it. Lucas has to put a finger under my chin and snap my mouth shut again and only then do I snap out of it, barely finding my voice.

"Well," I tumble over my words and try to figure out what to say. What to think. "She's hot."

Smooth.

Zack rolls his eyes and Lucas goes into a coughing fit. I kick him to shut him up and snatch the joint so my mouth is too busy to say anything else stupid. But what am I supposed to say? Of all the things I had guessed none of them came close to the truth. Zack is hooking up with a professor at school? That can't end well. He has to know that.

"Spit it out," He tells me now when he notices the look on my face.

I shrug. "I'm just...curious. And concerned."

"So ask what you want to ask."

"Fine," I lean back and level him with a serious stare. "What the hell are you thinking? If you get caught it's all going to go to shit. Especially for her. She'll get most of the blame because she's the teacher, she's older, and she doesn't have a rich dad that can bail her out of this. I'm sure you both consented to this but let's be honest — the media gets a hold of this and they'll ruin her life but won't touch you. She should know better too. What the hell is she thinking?"

"Don't you think we already know all this?" Zack snaps.

I throw my hands up in exasperation. "You asked, dude. I'm just saying the risk isn't worth it. You two can find other fuck buddies."

"I love her," He says it so fiercely that my mouth clamps shut. Say what? He curses under his breath and rubs his hands over his face. The expression on his face is all kinds of drained. "It started off as fucking. She was beautiful and interesting and we had major heat between us. One day we gave in. The fact that it was forbidden made it hot as fuck. We hooked up over the summer too and I think she felt less guilty because she wasn't my prof at the time. When we came back to school she felt regret and tried to break it off. That's when I realized how gone for her I was. We did more than just fuck, okay? Hell, I even took her on dates and shit. It was never supposed to get this far. It just happened."

"Oh my God," I mumble. I've never heard Zack talk about anyone this way. I've never seen him like this either. He's absolutely losing his head for her. "You really love her."

"Yeah," His lips thin. "And she loves me. The situation is just a fucking mess and she's terrified of what it could do to us. I don't blame her but I fucking wish it didn't have to be this way."

Wow. I exchange a glance with Lucas who looks as solemn as me. It seems like this is the first he's hearing of all this too. I look at Zack again. "How old is she, anyways?"

"Twenty-seven."

"That's it? But she's a college professor."

"She's also a genius," His lips twitch and finally something other than despair takes over his expression. It's pride. "Finished college when she was eighteen. Got a PhD by the time she was twenty-four. She would have been in college with us as a student otherwise. I know to you guys she's a professor but to me...she's just Rowan. And she's fucking incredible."

I feel my heart strings tugging. I have to admit, that's really sweet. And the facts suddenly put this situation under a new light. Zack is right — Professor Alvarez would have been just like us but she happened to be a genius that ended up in a crowd that wasn't meant for her. I'm sure she feels like a kid compared to the rest of the faculty. That definitely puts things in perspective.

"I meant it, you know," I say to try and lighten the mood. "She's hot."

I can see Zack's appeal toward her. I've never had Professor Alvarez since I've only been here one semester but I've seen her around. I thought she was a student until I was told otherwise. And honestly, all the guys on campus drool after her. With her long brown hair, even lighter green eyes, and a super sweet smile, who wouldn't? I mean hell, she's even younger than Lizzie.

"Thanks," Zack laughs but it doesn't sound very happy.

"What happens now? Are you two still together?"

"Haven't been since September. We've slipped up a few times in between but she's adamant about not being with me. She thinks she's holding me back from living life and, like you said, says it's only going to blow up in our faces."

I wince. "She has a point."

"Which is why this fucking sucks," He confirms.

I suddenly realize something. "You graduate this year. This semester is almost done and then you have one semester left. Be together then."

His grim expression doesn't shift. "I suggested that too but she says I need to go out and experience life. She has this thing where she feels robbed of her younger days because she was always moving with an older crowd. She thinks being with her will make me feel the same way and doesn't want me to have regrets."

I frown. Another good point, honestly.

"And being with her right away won't look so good," Lucas points out. "It doesn't take a genius to put two and two together. If these two go public as soon as Zack graduates, everyone will know something was going on beforehand. Rowan could be questioned and lose her job."

"Crap," I mumble. This just seems to go deeper and deeper. I feel as hopeless as Zack looks.

"Whatever," He mutters. "I'm going to go out for a walk or some shit." He pauses at whatever look is on mine and Lucas' face. "She's out of the country for winter break, assholes. I couldn't go to her even if I wanted to."

"You'd buy a ticket and go to her," Lucas fires back.

"I could but I won't. I'm only stressing her out," He stands up and puts his jacket on. "Listen, don't tell anyone about this, okay? I told you guys because you're family but if this gets out..."

"We won't say anything," Lucas moves to stand too. "I'll come with you. Want to go to the gym and blow off steam?"

Zack shakes his head and waves Lucas back down. "I need to be alone. But I'll be back in a couple of hours so you horny fucks better be detached from each other. Fucking disgusting."

I smother down a laugh. Zack tosses another goodbye and then he's gone. I blow out a heavy breath because talk about loaded.

"Poor guy," I shake my head. "I can't imagine not being able to be with the person you want."

"I can," Lucas adds casually. I turn to him, puzzled. "Did it for years."

My heart stutters when I catch on, when I realize he's talking about me. Still, I have to ask. "What do you mean?"

He shifts, a sure tell he's uncomfortable. He hates opening up because he's Lucas but like I said, he tries. "You were too young when I had feelings for you that I wanted to act on. Then shit went down the drain and those four years came along."

"But you hated me those four years."

"I hated that I couldn't have you," He corrects. "I hated that I felt betrayed by you. I hated that I had to push you away so I could stay away from you. But never you, Livvy."

My chest warms along with the rest of me. I know Lucas and I have major history—more bad than good, too—but I can't say he's not making up for it. It's a slow process but he really is redeeming myself and I know that I've completely forgiven him for everything he shouldn't have said or done.

I cup the side of his face and turn him to me, feeling my eyelids grow heavy at the spark that comes alive between us from touching him. He feels it too and his eyes hold mine, intense and full of anticipation as his chest rises with a deep breath.

"So," I start and my hands trail down his chest and lower until I'm gripping the growing bulge at the front of his jeans. His Adam's apple bobs with a harsh swallow, eyes darkening. "You said something about me being on my knees for you?"

The corner of his lip slowly tugs up and he jerks his chin in a slight nod. "Kneel."

My breath knocks out of me. Lucas is as dominant in bed as he is in everything else. He's naturally bossy and arrogant and I never thought that it would appeal to me the way it does. When mind-blowing orgasms are the result, why wouldn't it?

I slide down to my knees until I'm kneeling in front of him. He shifts on the couch and spreads his legs wider while undoing his belt, never taking his eyes off mine. My tongue swipes across my mouth in anticipation and Lucas catches it, pulling in another breath like he's trying to keep it together. Once he takes his belt out he keeps it wrapped in his hands and watches me carefully.

"Hands behind your back," He commands.

It's hard not to react. This is definitely new and I'm not sure what to expect but I do it because I trust him. He leans forward and catches my lips between his, sucking my lower lip into his mouth before biting down on it hard. They part on their own accord and Lucas snakes his tongue inside, flicking the roof of my mouth teasingly. I moan softly in response and feel his arms go around me. My chest digs into the edge of the couch as he nudges me forward and wraps the belt around my wrists. He tightens it just enough that I couldn't get out of the bind if I wanted to but not so much that it hurts. He pulls back, breathing hard, and takes his cock out of his boxers. It springs up, hard and big and angry and ready for my mouth.

"Now suck," He orders in a gravelly voice.

My pulse races in more places than one. Keeping my eyes on his, I lean forward and open my mouth, taking the head of his cock in. His eyes close shut in pleasure, head falling back against the couch. It's even hotter watching him and knowing I'm doing this to him so I keep my gaze on him as I lower my head and take more of him in. I get halfway before he becomes too full for me and stretches my jaw more than it can go. I want to grip his remaining length but my hands are bound behind me and I jerk at them, annoyed. The buckle rattles noisily and Lucas opens his eyes again, the slightest hint of amusement dancing in those greenish-blue irises at my obvious frustration.

"I won't release you until I come, firecracker," He pushes my hair away from my face, fingers tightening to grip my head. "You'll get what you want when I get what I want."

So fucking arrogant. Warmth pools between my legs because it makes me weak as much as I hate it. I guess I'll just have to tease him back.

I let my eyelids hang heavily, a poster image of ecstasy as I run the flat of my tongue up and down his length. His pupils dilate and his breaths become heavier and I know he won't look away anytime soon. I get to the base of his cock and suck the silk of him into my mouth as I work my way back up. The tip of my tongue runs around the head and then I suck on the tip, moaning low in my throat. Lucas' fingers dig into my scalp and I know he's losing his patience, coming undone. I take him in my mouth again and my cheeks hollow out when I suck as hard as I can, bobbing my head up and down on his length and emitting all kinds of noises. His pre-cum gathers on my lips and I release his cock, spitting out on the head, and licking my lips to savour his taste.

Lucas curses, a growl tearing out of him as he reaches down to yank my jeans off. He helps me stand up as I kick them off my ankles hastily. I place a knee on either side of him just as he moves my panties to the side right before pushing me down until I sink onto his cock. I gasp at the sudden fullness stretching me and he curses again, hands gripping my ass.

"Motherfucker," He groans. He lifts me up until I reach the tip of him and sets me down again, helping me riding him. "Fuck, that's it."

He grabs the collar of my shirt and yanks down, exposing my bare breasts. I didn't bother with a bra and Lucas clearly appreciates it because he groans again and takes one nipple into his mouth. He sucks hard on the bud, all the while drilling into me and making my teeth knock together. I cry out, feeling my abdomen tense. "Lucas. Dios mío."

"Hmm," He hums in approval. He knows as well as I do that I only speak Spanish in bed when I'm about to come so he picks up his pace, hips lifting and bringing me down on him at the same time. He releases my nipple to suck on my neck, biting hard enough to break skin. My eyes flutter shut. "Whose pussy is this, Olivia?"

"Why should I answer?" I taunt back. I bite the inside of my cheek when his eyes darken in disapproval, knowing full well our sex is about to get a lot rougher.

His hand snakes between us and he pinches my clit, rolling it between his fingers. It's painful and I gasp, shocked at the bursts of tingles making my body buzz. He also stops fucking me and I shift in his lap in frustration. He tugs harder on my clit and I have to squeeze my eyes shut when they water from the stinging pain.

"I won't ask again," He warns. "If you want to come, you'll answer right this time."

I can feel the sensation of my orgasm fading away and I try to rock in his lap in an attempt to chase it. I need him to fuck me. I'm so close.

"Yours," My breath bursts out of me. "It's yours. I'm yours."

"That's right," His voice is hard. He grips my hips tight and slams up into me. I moan. "Only I get to fuck this pussy." Another thrust. "Eat this pussy." Another. "Play with this pussy." And another. "Because it's fucking mine."

He slams into me one last time and I shatter, a scream erupting from my throat when the tension in my lower abdomen unfurls and rocks through me. My body convulses and I bury my face in Lucas' neck, shaking against him. He comes at the same time, calling out a tortured "fuck!" as his body jerks into mine. He bites down on my shoulder when another groan tears out of him and I pant, my orgasm still making me tremble uncontrollably.

I sag against him a few moments later and try to catch my breath. His hands reach behind me to undo the belt and free my wrists. I can feel how irritated the skin is there even before he brings my hands around and I see the red markings of the belt. I watch as he brings my wrists up to his mouth and kisses them softly, in a way I wouldn't expect from him. He blows on my skin, cooling it down. Already the redness is fading.

"Did I hurt you?" He asks.

"A little," I tell him honestly. "But it was the good kind."

"And you're okay?"

"I'm okay."

"Good," He murmurs, still kissing my skin with gentle pecks.

My heart flips over in my chest and I know he can feel my pulse racing where his fingers touch my wrists but he doesn't comment on it. Just lifts his gaze and watches me with knowing eyes. I'd be afraid at what I'm feeling right now if it wasn't for the look on his face that tells me he's feeling the exact same way. Hate is the last thing between us right now.

____________________________

A/N

*fans self due to rapid melting*

These two are just getting hotter and sweeter, aren't they!

Also, Zack!! I'm not sure how you guys feel about the whole professor and student trope but I think it's something new and fun exciting. That's just how I see it from a writer's point of view even though it's not for everyone reading wise. As a writer though, well, the wheels are definitely turning...

Please VOTE, comment and share if you liked this chapter!

Happy Reading :)