Forbidden, p.5
Forbidden, page 5
*****
How was your first night?” Caitlin asked sitting down at the desk next to Imogen.
“It was fine. I woke up and forgot where I was then I remembered. I didn’t see Grey for the rest of the night though.” Imogen said taking out her English literature book.
“Do you think he went out?” Caitlin asks opening her book.
“No, I don’t think so,” Imogen replies.
“Miss Myers, I hope whatever you and Caitlin are gossiping about, it is to do with the curriculum!” Professor Thompson states in an icy voice.
Imogen rolled her eyes and began to write on her paper. Not that she had any idea what she was supposed to be writing. She hadn’t had much sleep last night; she was still getting used to her new home.
*****
Once Imogen got in from university, she got straight to work cleaning the upstairs bathroom. After Imogen had finished cleaning upstairs, she made her way downstairs to Grey’s study.
Imogen began to clean the crystal glasses that sat in the cabinet. When one of the glasses wobbled, an ice-cold voice came from behind her.
“If I, were you, I’d watch what you are doing, those glasses cost more than your pay cheque!”
Chapter 10
I am very serious.
Imogen turned around and placed the cloth down. “You can’t be serious?”
“I am very serious. So, from now on I will clean these.” Grey said giving Imogen a stern look.
“That’s fine by me,” Imogen said now picking up her cloth.
Imogen went to step out of Grey’s study until Grey stopped her.
“I have seen the state you have left the bathroom in; I must say I can’t understand how you lived like that?” He said with a critical tone.
Imogen furrowed her brows. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Grey took a step to the cabinet, he pulled out one of the crystal glasses and poured himself a rum. “The bathroom was in a mess, yes it had been cleaned, but barely. There were streak marks on the shower, and the floor has not been mopped.”
Imogen rolled her eyes and gave an annoyed huff. “Are you going to be checking everywhere I clean?”
“Yes, I will check everywhere; since I am your boss and I have to check whether or not you are doing a thorough job. Right now, you are not.” Grey said and then he sat at his desk with his rum.
“I have only just started and yet you are already criticising me!” Imogen said in an angered voice.
“I do not care if you have only started; If the job hasn’t been done properly, it is my job to tell you. Now go back and do it properly this time!” He said harshly before downing his rum.
Imogen stormed out of the study, and back up the stairs, cursing Grey’s name under the sun.
******
A couple of hours later Grey was shouting Imogen down for dinner.
Grey sat at the head of the table, and Imogen sat at the end.
Imogen stabbed her fork into the potatoes and shoved them into her mouth.
“How was your day?” Grey asked before he ate a mouthful of pork.
Imogen spoke around a mouthful of potato. “It wasn’t too bad, I guess.”
Grey placed his fork down and dabbed his lips with his napkin. “Do you know how rude it is to talk with your mouth full?”
Imogen forcefully dropped her fork. “Do you know what I change my mind. I have this Professor who is a complete dickhead; but to top it off I also have this boss who is a fucking idiot. So, my day has been pretty shitty!” Imogen stood and slammed her chair into the table.
Grey spoke. “Don’t walk out when I am talking to you!”
“Like I give a shit what you say!” Imogen says storming out.
Grey shook his head and carried on eating his food, he wasn’t going to waste perfectly good food to go after Miss Myers. He would deal with her later.
Imogen laid on her stomach on her bed, with her headphones listening to music. She got out her crossword from the cupboard and finished the page she had been working on.
Twenty minutes later Imogen recoiled when she felt a tap on her shoulder.
Imogen took off her headphones. “What do you want?”
Grey took a seat at the edge of the bed. “We need to talk.”
Imogen sat up and rested her head against the headboard. “Right.”
“You need to stop acting like a child, and take responsibility for your actions,” Grey said.
“How am I acting like a child?” Imogen frowned.
“You have stormed off twice because you didn’t like something I said. as your boss I am obliged to say if your work isn’t up to standard. It is also rude to talk with your mouth full. Maybe you were not brought up with good manners, but I was.” Grey replied harshly.
“Fine,” Imogen huffed.
“We’re going to be living together, so I think we should try and be civil,” Grey said. He knew he wasn’t the easiest person to get along with, but they had to make it work.
That was easy for Grey to say, but he wasn’t the one who would get criticised over everything he did. Imogen hated anyone criticising her, whether it was about her clothing or her work. It deeply annoyed her.
“I’ll try,” Imogen says. And for anything, she really hoped she could remain civil.
Grey stood from the bed. “Your dinner is in the microwave, warm it up when you’re ready.” Then he left.
******
Two weeks later:
“Does it feel strange living with Professor Thompson?” Caitlin asked stepping onto the treadmill.
“It does feel a little strange. Although I don’t see him all the time, sometimes he goes out.” Imogen said walking slowly on the treadmill.
Imogen did wonder where Grey went on those evenings; and why he often came back so late. Maybe he has secrets he didn’t want Imogen to know about.
“Do you think he comes to this gym?” Caitlin asked now stepping off the treadmill to take a sip of water.
Imogen stayed on the treadmill, this time picking up the pace. “No way, Grey wouldn’t be seen at the University gym.”
Caitlin picked up a pair of dumbbells and began to do some rows. “You are probably right. He probably goes to a gym where nobody knows him.”
“More than likely,” Imogen replied.
“Have you met any of his family yet?” Caitlin asked.
Imogen had no idea how Caitlin, managed to talk so much during their workouts. Scott was right Caitlin really did talk too much. Sometimes all Imogen wanted was peace and quiet. “No, I haven’t.”
“I guess he isn’t much of a talker?” Caitlin asked.
“Not always, and the only time he talks to me is when we are going over my assignments or work,” Imogen says stopping the treadmill.
“Have you tried talking to him? You know like asking him questions?” Caitlin says as she puts down the dumbbells.
Imogen drank some of her water and replaced the lid. “I did, but he closed off from me as soon as I asked. I haven’t asked him anything personal ever since.”
He’s a mysterious one, hey?” Caitlin winked.
“Ugh! No, he is just annoying, and doesn’t want me knowing anything about him.” Imogen groaned in annoyance.
“Exactly what I mean, he is mysterious,” Caitlin says now laying down to do some sit-ups and her voice was becoming a little ragged.
Imogen frowned, maybe Grey was a little mysterious. Imogen knew little about him, and the more Grey pulled away, the more Imogen wanted to know.
*****
Two days later:
“I need to see you in my office, Professor Thompson.” Chancellor Philips said.
Professor Thompson walked into Chancellor Philips office. He wasn’t nervous, because he knew he had done no wrong. But he did wonder why he had been called in.
Professor Thompson sat on the chair opposite the chancellor’s desk. “This must be important if you have called me to your office?” Professor Thompson says looking at his watch. He knew Imogen was due to finish soon, and he didn’t want to be stuck in here for too long.
“I have noticed quite recently Imogen Myers, has been seen in your car?” Chancellor Philips said and her tone sounded accusative.
“Professor Thompson held Chancellor Philips stern gaze. “What exactly are you implying here?”
“I want you to tell me what is going on here?” Chancellor Philips said.
Professor Thompson was now pissed, he knew exactly what Chancellor Philips was implying. Because she saw Imogen exit his car every day meant they were having an affair. “What you assume is wrong!”
“Explain it to me then.” Chancellor Philips said in an impatient tone.
“I am not having an affair with a student.” Professor Thompson said.
“Why do I see Imogen Myers in your car every morning then?” chancellor Philips said in a tone, that sounded like she was still accusing him of something.
“I offered Miss Myers a job, she now works for me. I give her a lift every day so she gets to her lectures on time.” There was one little detail Professor Thompson had purposely left out. No way was he going to say that they lived together. That would cause himself and Imogen a whole lot of trouble.
“What job would that be?” The Chancellor asked.
“Cleaning, it is nothing exciting. I offered her the job because she was falling asleep in my lectures. Her previous job required her to work until the early hours; which meant hardly any time for studying.” Professor Thompson explains.
“I see no reason to report this to the board, but if I see anything that looks out of the ordinary there will be consequences!” Chancellor Philips warned.
“Understood,” Professor Thompson said and stood from the chair.
****
“Scott it is good to hear from you,” Imogen said picking up the call.
“You too, Im,” Scott replied. “How is university going?”
“Not so good. I am failing my class.” Imogen sighed.
“I thought you were one of Professor Thompson’s best students?” Scott sounded worried.
“The job I worked required me to work late. I started falling asleep in lectures. I have a new job now, and a new home.” Imogen explained, and she could only hope Scott wouldn’t lose his shit when he finds everything out.
“What do you mean?” Scott said and his voice become a little bit louder.
“I work for Professor Thompson and I live with him,” Imogen says and her heart started pounding in her chest.
“Like fuck you do!” Scott shouted down the phone.
Chapter 11
You will live.
“Scott, it isn’t what you think it is. He gave me the job so I had more time to study. I got kicked out of my flat, and he is letting me stay here until I find somewhere else.” Imogen said and she hoped he understood.
“If that fucker tries anything I will personally kill him!” Scott said and his voice sounded more than a threat.
“He won’t,” Imogen said.
“I have to go, Im, speak later okay,” Scott said.
“Yeah later,” Imogen said before ending the call, and Imogen laid back on the bed with her heart still pounding in her chest.
There was a knock on the door, and Grey walked in. “Everything okay?” Grey said with a scowl.
Imogen sat up on her bed. “Yeah, everything is fine. I just have a headache.”
“I came up here to tell you I need you downstairs in the study. It is time we start going over the assignments.” Grey says, and maybe he didn’t care that Imogen had a headache. Grey had little time to worry, he wanted to get a start on this right away.
“Do I have to?” Imogen complained. Her head hurt, and she rested it down on the bed again.
Grey sat down on the bed, shuffling up he rested his back against the headboard. “Put your head on my lap,” Grey says. He could not believe he was even doing this.
“What?” Imogen asked with a surprised look on her face.
“Don’t pretend to not know what I said; I know that you heard me,” Grey said with a tetchy tone.
Imogen rested her head on Grey’s lap, her heart was pounding hard. Grey’s fingers brushed across her forehead and the crown of her head in horizontal and vertical lines. Grey knew he shouldn’t be doing this, what the hell was he thinking? Yet his fingers carried on stroking and almost caressing Imogen’s head.
Grey’s touch wasn’t sexual, no not even close! But Imogen’s nerves felt like they were ablaze with desire. God, she couldn’t believe this she was laid on her Professor’s lap, and all she had to do is turn her head, and she’d be face to face with his...
“How is your head now?” Grey asked.
Imogen shook herself from her daydreaming. “It isn’t too bad, but it still hurts.”
“Come downstairs and take some painkillers. You will live.” Grey said in an apathetic tone.
Imogen lifted her head from Grey’s lap; she wanted to stay there longer, she felt relaxed. “Fine, I will do just that!” Though now she sounded more annoyed.
*****
Imogen placed her pen down, her hand hurt from all the writing. “Why do I have to write so much?” Imogen asked flexing her fingers.
“You need all the practice you can get,” Grey says, and even he was beginning to get a little tired of helping Imogen study. Maybe he should call it a night. “That is enough for now. I am going out; I will probably see you tomorrow morning now.” Grey says before exiting the room.
“Wait!” Imogen shouted after Grey.
“What?” Grey said turning on his heel to face Imogen.
“Can I come with you? I never get to come and I want to know where you go?” Imogen asked, and maybe she already knew what the answer was going to be. And even though Grey was an arsehole, for some strange reason Imogen found herself wanting to be around him. She also liked the company, even when he didn’t say much.
“There is a reason I don’t tell you where I go. It is because I don’t want you to know, and I want time for myself.” Grey says with a cold tone before walking off.
And just like that Imogen felt the words sting her, but she wasn’t going to let that arsehole get to her.
Sometimes she did wonder why the hell she hadn’t quit university. Instead of putting up with Grey’s behaviour. Still, she had stayed, and Imogen knew one of the reasons why! It was to prove Grey he was wrong!
****
Grey sat at the table, not too far from the bar. He was glad to be out of the house. He needed to be away from Imogen with her constant talking, and her never-ending questions!
Grey picked up his rum and took a small sip. He felt so tired, yet his eyes still wandered around the bar, to see if there was any woman that took his fancy. He saw a blonde woman standing near the bar waiting to be served- no, he thought to himself. More recently he had taken a liking to redheads! Whereas before he didn’t care. All Grey wanted was to fill a need, and he never went to the same bar multiple times. Grey lifted his glass to his lips, and as he took another sip of rum the blonde locked eyes on him.
Swaying her voluptuous hips, the woman approached Grey’s table. “Hey,” The woman smiled seductively, and it came from a place of desperation and need.
Grey, he could sense it anywhere, the desperation falling from her body as she licked her bottom lip.
“Goodbye!” Grey’s voice was cold and cruel. He had brushed off more than one woman in his life, and this woman was no different. Right now, he wasn’t in the mood for any kind of sexual encounter. Maybe it was because he felt too tired, or he really could care less. Or even worse maybe, just maybe it was because the woman didn’t have red hair!
“Typical that is.” The woman said with a slight frown on her face; but her hand was caressing the thin strap of her dress, in a flirt-like manner.
“How terrible you must feel,” Grey said in a sardonic tone.
“I do since the first man I laid eyes on is a complete arsehole.” The woman says, and she places her wine glass on the table. The woman then took a sip of wine, her eyes still focused on Grey.
“Not my problem,” Grey replied, and he stood to put on his black duffle jacket, before walking out of the bar.
*****
Imogen placed her assignment book down. She had been looking at the same page for the last hour, going over and over the questions in her head. It seemed ever since her body clock had been screwed up from the days of working in a bar, she had trouble focusing. Imogen rubbed her heavy eyes and decided she was going to watch some television.
There was only so much crap on television Imogen could take, and her eyes started to drift off.
Grey opened the front door, slipped off his shoes and hung his jacket up on the coat peg. When he walked into the hallway the low hum of the television could be heard. It was 11:40 pm and Grey expected Imogen to be asleep by now.
Grey opened the door to the living room and stepped inside. The television set was playing some monotonous TV show, that he could care little about. He turned to the large brown leather couch to see Imogen fast asleep!
Grey squatted down on the floor and gave Imogen a gentle shake. “Wake up!” Grey said in a low voice that was loud enough for Imogen to hear.
Imogen’s eyes fluttered ever so slightly, and her hand came to Grey’s cheek, running her hand over his stubble. “Grey, you’re back!” Imogen says her voice full of sleep. “Did you have a good time?” Imogen asked, and her hand was still pressed to Grey’s cheek.
“No, I didn’t,” Grey replied. “You need to go and sleep upstairs; couches are not for sleeping on,” Grey said removing Imogen’s hand.
