Disclaimer:
This book is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and situations are entirely imaginary or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
This content is intended for adults 18+ only. It contains mature themes and situations. Do not attempt to recreate or imitate any actions or scenarios described in this book.
Author's Note:
For context, both Anna and Jake are in their mid-20s and currently pursuing their postgraduate studies.
Chapter 1.
The campus library was half-empty, the kind of quiet where every little sound felt amplified. Anna was only pretending to browse the shelves—her brain was fried from research papers. That's when she spotted him.
Jake. Her lab partner. Tall, broad shoulders under a simple t-shirt, hair slightly messy like he'd run his hands through it a dozen times while reading. He wasn't holding some boring textbook, though. His hands cradled a sleek, black leather-bound book with golden lettering that made Anna's eyes widen.
"No way…" she murmured, stepping closer.
Jake glanced up, one brow raised. His eyes were sharp, but not unkind. "Something wrong?"
"That book." Anna pointed before she could stop herself. "That's a limited edition, isn't it? I've only ever seen it online."
Jake's lips curved in the faintest smirk. "You know your stuff." He closed the book slowly, fingers tapping the cover. "Yeah, it's rare."
Anna licked her lips, suddenly aware of how close she was standing. "Can I read it?"
His smirk deepened, like he already knew the answer. "I don't usually hand this over to just anyone."
Anna crossed her arms, leaning a little on the table. "Do I look like just anyone?"
Jake chuckled under his breath. "Not exactly." He studied her for a beat, the kind of look that felt like it stripped away all her defenses. Then, as casually as if he were suggesting coffee, he said, "You could borrow it. But only if you come by my place. I don't trust random hands with it."
Her pulse skipped. That wasn't exactly subtle. But she liked his boldness.
Anna tilted her head, letting her hair fall over her shoulder. "So you're inviting me over because of the book?"
Jake's grin widened. "Sure. The book."
Heat curled low in her belly, but she kept her face composed. "Alright. Lead the way, book boy."
As she followed her lab partner out of the library, her mind wasn't on the rare edition anymore—it was on what exactly she'd just agreed to.