The Uncle Clause — Episode 9

Scared of the storm, not scared of me. You don't seem like a bad man, sir. What gave you that impression? Isn't it obvious?

Still a child. He stood and headed for the stairs, laughing. I followed him anyway. Sir, can I just stay in your room?

I swear I won't do anything. Before I finished, he turned around, and I ran straight into a wall of a man. How old are you? 19.

Almost 20. You know what sharing a room with a man means? It's different. I buried myself in his chest before I could finish the sentence.

The impact sent him back against the wall. He didn't push me off, just let the thunder pass. Hands still, jaw tight. When it settled, I'd left nail marks on his waist.

He looked down at the marks, expression unreadable. I scrambled off him. Sorry, does it hurt? Stay if you want. No need to swear anything.

He pulled a shirt on, sat at the desk, and opened his laptop. Sir, you're not sleeping? You sleep. I have work to do. His work ended up taking the entire night. I'd definitely fallen asleep on the couch.

But I woke up in a bed, fully dressed, nothing out of place. Seeing me, he asked if I was heading to school. It's on the way. I'll drop you. On the way again. His office was nowhere near my campus. Something in my chest went soft. Sir, can I get your number?

For what? The pajamas. I'll wash them in return. No need to return it.