“We keep a few cars for the staff,” he explains. “One—the blue Audi, I think?—was Octavia’s last live-in nanny’s. It’s insured and all the cars are regularly maintained. Take it.”

Oh. So, insanity is a family trait.

“That’s—”

“You can’t walk here every day, love,” Lisa intervenes. “And, yes, it’s a bit much, but Kellers don’t do half measures. Trust me, they’re not worth arguing with. Besides, if you don’t take one of the cars collecting dusts in the garage, Darius will likely just buy you one once he realizes you’re walking everywhere.”

Arlo snorts. “As he should. It must take you ages to go from the Vesper Tower to campus daily.”

So, he knows I live with his son. And he’s not saying anything against it.

My interview was more of a formality, apparently. I’m given the car, a key to this house, and we agree on a schedule, pending the extra class’s timing.

I’m still completely stunned as I park the almost brand-new car at the back of the Vesper House alongside the half-dozen shiny, expensive vehicles. The Audi is by far the most reasonable of the lot, but it’s also the most expensive car I’ve ever travelled in, let alone driven.

How has everything become so crazy in a few days?

Keller. That’s how.

28. Claire

28

CLAIRE

I’m in the shower when the door slides open.

“You didn’t tell me you walked,” Keller says, clearly annoyed.

I stare at him, my mind trying to understand why that’s important. “Everyone walks. Walking is no big deal. It’s even healthy,” I say.

He rolls his eyes. “A nice walk along the beach or a hike, sure. But having to walk to class every day? What the fuck, Claire.”

My jaw falls. “That’s normal!”

"That’s a complete waste of time and energy you could spend a different way. On your knees, for instance.” Then he walks into the shower stall, fully dressed.

I watch him remove his phone from his back pocket and toss it on the laundry basket outside before strolling to me, his hand on his belt, unbuckling it.

“Well?” One of his eyebrows crooks. “On your knees, little ghost.”

He lowers his zipper and frees his cock.

I lick my lower lip, slowly complying. Jesus. From this angle, the hard, engorged member is even larger than it seemed before. “I don’t really know how to do this, still,” I remind him.

He completely took over last time.

“I’ll teach you, one day. But right now, I need to fuck your mouth again.”

Frankly? That’s a relief. I part my lips as much as I can, opening wide.