Forbidden Desire 18+

Chapter Nine

ISABELLA MATTIA

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"Isabella, I cannot have you causing disruption in class like that." My professor folds his arms over his chest, leaning back into his desk.

My eyes widen with frustration. "Are you kidding me? What he said wasn't correct and I merely corrected him. I was participating, something that you encourage."

He runs a hand down his face with a long sigh. "There is a big difference between participating and shouting at him in front of an auditorium full of people."

"But he was giving misleading information!" I exclaim as I lean forward. "Are you telling me right now that what he said was right?"

"No," his jaw clenches. "But that's besides the point. You should have raised your hand like every other student and given your input. Shouting over people won't get you anywhere in the real world, Isabella. You need conduct in these classes."

I roll my eyes. "I'm sorry for shouting over him but it was absolute nonsense he was spurting."

"Please, next time can you wait and listen. Give your thoughts when I've chosen for you to speak. You're not the only one in the class." His expression hardens. "We all take this seriously here and it's not a professional outlook."

My teeth clamp down on my tongue before I start saying things I don't mean. All the blood in my veins begins to hum and I tell myself to calm down. It's not worth it right now. "Okay," I grumble. "I won't do it again."

"Good," he nods and stands up from the edge of his desk. "I expect better participation next time. You have good ideas and knowledge, don't waste it on showing that you can't listen and debate."

I breathe through my nose sharply, flashing him a false smile. "Sure."

My bag slinks over my shoulder and I stroll out of the lecture theatre with purpose. Elio is close behind me and I refused to look in his direction. He's the last person whose opinion I care about right now.

I can't help it if I'm passionate. I get ahead of myself. But he shouldn't be spreading incorrect information because anyone could pick it up and believe that it's true, especially within something as important as medicine. There is no such thing as mistakes, everything has to be perfect.

After class I make my way to the sports centre with tunnel vision. Inside I'm bubbling over and I have so much tension I need to burn. My body is crying out for some physical activity to relieve me from this agony that courses through my bones.

I push my way through the halls to the changing rooms where I strip down into a pair of grey leggings and a sports bra. My eyes scan my phone screen for the time, at least I'm not late. I walk to the main sports hall to find hoops hanging from the ceilings and mats underneath them. I flick my gaze across the room before a familiar set of curly hair bounces towards me.

"Hey!" Lena exclaims with her vibrant brown eyes. "You made it."

My lips twist into a forced smile. "Yeah, I made it."

Her hands press together in an excited clap. "Amazing, come over here. We're just getting started."

I follow her over and stand by one of the hoops. Lena gets stuck in immediately with a warm-up and then some poses to try on the hoop. I stare up at it. I've never done this before but I'm more than willing to give it a go–especially to get myself out of my head.

My body slots into each position through the hoop, allowing my legs and arms to stretch with each movement. Sweat drips down my face as I use all the strength in my arms and core to keep me balanced and upright.