Page 17 of His to Own

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

“Your tardiness is noted. I do not let people be tardy in my class. Either get here on time or don’t show up at all.”

I hurry to my seat. Polina is here with her smug expression. Given we’re both in the same writing program, we have most of our classes together.

Professor Romonov talks endlessly about Shakespeare today. I find myself zoning out, thinking of Maxim’s handsome face and easy going nature. He could probably charm any person of any room he entered.

“Miss Karetov,” Professor Romonov snaps.

I jerk upright in my seat. “Yes?”

“I asked you a question.”

I wait for more but she doesn’t give it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear the question.”

“I asked what the main themes in Othello are?”

My eyes flick to Polina and I can see that she’s loving every second of this. With a sigh, I answer. “Uh… jealousy. The way it can destroy everything. Um…”

Professor Romonov snaps her fingers, silently telling me to hurry it up.

“Racial prejudices.”

“Yes. All of that is obvious. And what else?”

“I… I’m sorry.” My brain is not focused like I need to be.

She sighs. “And manipulation. Iago goes to great lengths to get what he wants: to ruin Othello’s life. We are going to do a character study today on Iago. So pay attention. And do better, Miss Karetov.”

I flinch.

Once class is over, Polina follows me out to the main quad. “I love to see you suffering. You’re blowing it. I am going to win Professor Burgov’s internship and you’ll have nothing.”

I stop in my tracks when I see Maxim standing in the middle of the walkway. Almost like he’s… waiting for me. But my father gave Sergei my hand, not Maxim. What is he doing here?

“Hey, Elena,” Alexei says, hurrying over. “I was waiting for you to finish your class. I thought we could go study now.”

Maxim looks between me and Alexei with narrowed eyes. The pit in my stomach returns.

“Uh…” My throat seizes up and I cannot speak. “I…” My eyes flick to Maxim. Alexei notices.

“Who is that guy?”

“Who cares?” Polina asks. “He’s right in the middle of the walkway. That’s rude. People have to walk around him. He’s not even moving.”

I know I can’t run from Maxim. Something in my gut tells me he’d only chase me.

“I’ll study later,” I tell Alexei before walking over to Maxim. “Is there something you needed?”

“Who is that?” He nods at Alexei, who’s still standing there, watching me and Maxim.

“A friend.”

“Just a friend?”

I flush. “Yes. Just a friend. Why are you asking?”

“Because I’m going to be your husband. I should probably know if you have a boyfriend.”