CHAPTER 97: THERE ARE OTHER WAYS TO PAY MY LADY.

The voices lingered for a while, weaving in and out like echoes that refused to die. They grew louder, as if prowling the corridors, inspecting every corner of the place.

Jamaila’s breath caught in her throat, each passing second stretching unbearably. Then, slowly they began to fade. One by one, they dissolved into the distance until silence descended once more.

"I believe they’re gone now," Auren whispered at last. His voice was barely more than a breath, low and hushed. His warm breath brushed across her face and Jamaila’s heart lurched violently against her ribs.

She opened her mouth to respond, but words failed her.

Before she could gather her thoughts, his hand found hers again. His grip was firm but not cruel this time. Without a word, he tugged her gently out of the dressing room’s cramped space. His sharp eyes flicked immediately toward the door.

"Take this key," Auren murmured, pressing the cool metal firmly into her trembling palm. His voice had hardened into an authoritative edge, a tone that brokered no refusal. "Lock the door behind me the very moment I step out. Don’t hesitate. Not even for a second. Once it’s locked, leave the key hanging on the knob. It will prevent anyone from trying to enter. Do you understand me, Jamaila?"

"I... I understand," she whispered shakily, nodding so fast her hair brushed against her cheeks. Her hand quivered violently as it closed around the key.

"I’ll be back soon." His gaze lingered on her for a heartbeat longer than it should have.

Soon, he broke gaze and moved towards the door, in three purposeful strides, he reached it. He then stepped through and closed the door behind him.

Jamaila snapped into motion. Her fingers fumbled clumsily with the lock, the key nearly slipping from her sweaty grasp. At last, it clicked shut with a metallic certainty. Heart racing, she slid the key into the knob just as he had instructed.

Her strength drained all at once. She sagged to the ground, her back pressing against the cold, unyielding wall. Her knees drew up instinctively to her chest, and she wrapped her arms around herself.

The tears came before she could stop them. Silent sobs wracked her frame, each one catching in her throat until she could hardly breathe.

Auren was not someone she could ever truly trust, not in the ordinary sense, not after all that had passed between them. Yet here and now, in this moment, she had no other choice. She had to cling to him, if only barely. She had to believe that he will bring the uniform.

****

Meanwhile, the moment Nicole left the poolside, her heels clicked sharply against the polished floor as she strode down the hallway. Anger burned on her flawless face, but the edges of her lips curved upward in a triumphant smirk.

The drama is starting now, she thought, her eyes glittering with malicious delight. I can’t wait to watch those pathetic scholarship students crumble and get driven out of this school. And that bastard Victoria too....if not for the Ashford name shielding her, and her brothers protecting her every move, I would have ended her first. But no matter. I’ll crush the weak before I bring her down.

Her smirk faltered briefly as frustration pressed at her chest. But damn it... I’m so horny right now! She bit her lip, annoyed. Why didn’t Auren tell me the drama would begin today? If I’d known, I wouldn’t have taken those pills that make me burn like this.

The corridor was eerily empty. The other students were still confined in their lecture halls, and Nicole assumed she had the passage to herself. But just as she passed one of the classroom doors, a strong hand shot out, yanking her inside before she could resist.

Her back hit the wall with a muted thud, and before she could cry out, another hand clamped over her mouth, muffling her furious scream.

Nicole’s eyes widened, shock mixing with outrage as she struggled, only to freeze when she saw who it was.

Dickson stood before her, a sly grin plastered on his face, his posture oozing arrogant confidence.

"Hello, my lady," he greeted smoothly, bowing his head just slightly, his tone mocking yet oddly respectful. "It’s an honor to see your beautiful face again."

Her muffled growl grew sharper. The moment he removed his hand from her lips, Nicole lashed out.

"What the hell do you think you’re doing, you bastard?!" she spat. She dragged the back of her hand across her smeared lips and glared daggers at him. "You’ve ruined my lipstick! Do you have any idea how much this costs? A single tube is worth more than your miserable life. How do you plan to pay for that, huh?!"

Unfazed, Dickson straightened, his smile softening into something almost genuine. "First of all... my name is Dickson. And yes, I can pay for it," he replied firmly, though his tone carried a teasing lilt. "But what I cannot afford, my lady, is seeing such a pretty woman so angry. That alone breaks my heart."

This is my chance, he reminded himself inwardly, his pulse quickening. I’ve watched her long enough to know her game. Nicole is reckless, a slave to pleasure, and she loves men who dare to be bold. She pretends she doesn’t care, but I know her dirty little secret with Auren her stepbrother. When the time comes, I’ll use that against her. But for now... I’ll give her exactly what she craves.

Nicole scoffed, folding her arms tightly across her chest. Her eyes raked him up and down, disdain flickering across her face.

"I don’t give a damn about your name," she hissed. "Tell me instead....how do you plan to pay for what you ruined? Even your life isn’t worth this lipstick. So explain yourself, Dickson. What exactly are you planning to do?"

For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, instead of answering, Dickson leaned in. His lips hovered dangerously close, his warm breath fanning against her cheek. And before she could shove him away, he claimed her mouth in a sudden, desperate kiss.

His lips crushed against hers with surprising intensity, and his hands pinned her shoulders against the wall. He kissed her as though his very life depended on it, pouring every ounce of hunger into the act.

And to his utter disbelief....Nicole didn’t push him away. Her body stiffened at first, but then her lips parted slightly, allowing him to deepen the kiss. For several heated moments, she let him take control, her silence granting permission.

When he finally broke free, Dickson’s chest rose and fell heavily, his breath ragged. His mind reeled. Did I... just win?

Nicole’s hand rose slowly to her mouth. she tilted her head, her eyes narrowing with something between shock and intrigue.

"And just what do you think you accomplished with that stunt?" she asked coldly, though her voice trembled ever so slightly. Her arms folded over her chest again, shielding her, but her gaze never left his. "You kiss me and expect that to be payment for my lipstick? Is that your idea of a joke, Dickson?"

Dickson smirked, recovering his composure. "There are... other ways to pay you, my lady. Far more satisfying ways. But surely you realize, here isn’t the best location." He gestured toward the door with a tilt of his head, his voice dropping lower. "The other students will be returning soon. If we were somewhere private, I could show you how I intend to settle my debt in full."

His words hung heavy in the air, laced with suggestion. As if to emphasize his meaning, he adjusted his trousers, his hand briefly brushing over the unmistakable bulge straining beneath the fabric.

Nicole’s eyes flicked downward before she snapped her gaze back up at him. A short, sharp scoff escaped her lips, though her throat felt tight. She also couldn’t help but to lick her lips but quickly controlled herself.

Without another word, she grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, yanking him out of the classroom. Their footsteps echoed down the empty hallway until they burst through the exit doors, the open air blowing at their skin.

They stopped in front of Nicole’s sleek black Honda Pilot, its tinted windows reflecting their figures. She released him with a shove, then opened the back door.

"Let’s see how you plan to pay," she said, her voice cool but her eyes smoldering with challenge. "But be warned....if it’s not to my liking, there will be consequences. You forced yourself into my path, Dickson, so if you disappoint me..." Her lips curved into a dangerous smile. "You’ll be punished."

"I won’t disappoint you my lady." Dickson replied with a deep bow all while Nicole nodded her head in agreement.

Sliding into the leather seat, Nicole crossed her legs deliberately. Dickson followed, climbing in beside her, his pulse hammering as a triumphant smile tugged at his lips.