The woman rocked a crisp white blouse under a sleek black blazer, her curves popping just right. Not as stacked as Lisbeth, sure, but still a cut above most—probably a solid C-cup, no padding needed. She paired it with a sharp skirt, black stockings hugging her legs like a second skin, and killer heels. At least 5'9", she owned the pavement, all legs and poise. That getup? Pure Chicago Business School prof—Lisbeth had worked the same vibe.
Rocking the faculty uniform with this much swagger took a killer bod—way past "cute" and into bombshell territory. Her oval face didn't scream "wow" at first, but lean in close, and damn—those features hit hard. Thick, blood-red lips practically begged to be kissed, dripping with heat. Any guy with a pulse would fantasize about those lips on his junk—Anirudh sure as hell felt the itch right then.
Rose-red shades masked her big eyes, tossing in a sultry twist. Chicago Business School wasn't messing around—top-tier rep, top-tier profs, all hot as hell.
"Kimbell, what's your deal here?" She hopped out of the car and snapped at Kimbell, who was trying to melt into the crowd, ignoring Jarod and his goons like they were ghosts.
"Professor Gounaris, I… uh…" Kimbell tripped over his tongue. She was his advisor—big whoop, normally he wouldn't blink at a teacher with his clout. But here's the rub: she was his cousin. Worse? Her dad—his uncle—was Illinois's governor. His old man's mayor gig rode heavy on that hookup. Cross this spitfire? He'd rather eat glass.
If anyone at Chicago Business School had Kimbell sweating bullets, it was her.
"Professor Gounaris, you're my hero—wahhh… five more seconds, and Kimbell's thugs would've turned me into roadkill…" Anirudh caught the vibe fast—she was Kimbell's prof, and he was shaking in his boots. He'd been a loudmouth prick before, but now? Total pushover. Anirudh didn't need the whole scoop—just knew it meant less crap for him and a shot at flirting with this stunner.
Kimbell's face went stormy, shooting Anirudh a "shut up" glare, ready to spin some BS, but Gounaris's ice-cold voice sliced in: "Kimbell, you're growing some stones, huh? Rolling with these dirtbags—don't care about trashing your dad's rep?"
"Professor Gounaris, I… I don't even know 'em—total strangers…" Kimbell's gut churned. His mayor dad would tan his hide if he got wind of this crew. No way he'd cop to it—he flicked his eyes at Jarod's gang to scram.
Jarod and his boys read the room quick. With Anirudh smirking like a jackass, they saw their exit. Jarod snarled at him: "Punk, you dodged a bullet—your prof's got pull. We'll cut you a break today, but listen good: piss off Anbery, and you're a goner!"
With that, Jarod waved his crew off and peeled out. No point sticking around—Anirudh fought like a damn animal, and this chick had Kimbell spooked? You don't roll with Anbery without some street IQ.
"Freeze…" As they bolted, Gounaris's voice cracked like a whip: "You punks got no shame, threatening my student right in my face. I don't give a damn who your boss is—tell him if my kid so much as stubs a toe, you're outta Chicago!"
Everyone but Kimbell stood there, jaws on the floor, stunned by her brass.
Anirudh couldn't believe it—a lady prof throwing down with a dozen goons and smack-talking their boss? That was gangster. Studying under a firecracker like her would be a blast—especially with those lips messing with his head.
But for Jarod's crew, her dissing them was whatever—someone who freaked Kimbell out had juice—but jabbing at Anbery? He was the third prince of the Rust Knights, a Chicago heavy hitter. A chick mouthing off like that? She was begging for it.
Jarod's hand twitched for a swing, but Kimbell's wussy vibe and Anirudh's smug mug stopped him cold. He choked down the fury and hauled ass with his boys. This was Anbery's call—until they clocked her deal, better not poke the bear.
Watching the thugs slink away, Gounaris spun to Anirudh with a grin that could melt ice. "Hey, kid, what's your major? You're new to me."
"Professor, I'm business management—signed up for your class!" Anirudh laid it out straight.
"Heh, I'm Gounaris, your Spanish prof!" She hit him with a smile that oozed charm, all flirty and fierce. Anirudh's eyes damn near popped out…