Chapter 3: A Month of Settling In

A month had passed since Lyra started her new role as Ethan's personal assistant and dorm mate. She had diligently been helping him with his college assignments, making sure he stayed on track and his grades were satisfactory. Lyra had also made sure to establish clear boundaries and maintain a professional relationship, despite the undeniable spark of attraction between them. Ethan, on the other hand, seemed to be struggling with focus. He would often get distracted during their study sessions, and Lyra would catch him staring at her with a far-off look in his eyes. At first, she thought it was just her imagination, but as the days went by, she began to notice a pattern. Ethan would make witty remarks and tease her playfully, but there was an underlying tension that Lyra couldn't quite ignore. One evening, as they were studying for an upcoming exam, Ethan suddenly stopped and looked at Lyra with an intense gaze. "Can I be honest with you?" he asked, his voice low and hesitant. Lyra raised an eyebrow, sensing that something was about to change. "Of course, Ethan. What's on your mind?" He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting around the room before finally settling on hers. "I've been struggling with my assignments lately. My mind keeps wandering, and I find myself thinking about...you." Lyra's cheeks flushed, and she tried to brush it off as a joke. "What do you mean?" Ethan took a deep breath, his eyes locked on hers. "I mean, I get distracted thinking about you. Your smile, your laugh, the way you always know how to handle a situation. It's like my mind is constantly drifting back to you, and I don't know how to focus on my studies anymore." Lyra felt a shiver run down her spine as she processed Ethan's words. She had suspected that he might have feelings for her, but she had never expected him to be so blunt about it. "Ethan, I...appreciate your honesty," Lyra started, trying to tread carefully. "But we need to keep things professional. I'm here to help you with your studies and make sure you stay on track." Ethan nodded, but his eyes still held a glint of mischief. "I know, I know. It's just...I feel like I'm constantly fighting my thoughts, and it's hard to focus on anything else. Can I ask you something?" Lyra hesitated, unsure of what to expect. "What is it?" Ethan's voice dropped to a whisper. "What if I promise to get my grades back on track and stay focused? Would you...be willing to help me find a way to concentrate?" The air seemed to thicken as Lyra considered Ethan's request. She knew she had to set boundaries, but a part of her wondered if giving in to his desires would make things easier. For now, she decided to take a step back and assess the situation. "Let's discuss this later, okay?" Lyra suggested, trying to keep her tone light. "For now, let's focus on getting your grades back on track." As the days turned into weeks, Lyra noticed that Ethan's distractions were getting worse. She tried to brush it off, but the tension between them was palpable. One evening, as they were studying together, Ethan suddenly reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind Lyra's ear. The touch sent shivers down her spine, and Lyra couldn't help but wonder if she was ready to take their relationship to the next level. She looked at Ethan, and for a moment, their eyes locked in a silent understanding. "Ethan, stop," Lyra said firmly, but her voice lacked conviction. The words had barely left her lips when he leaned in, his voice husky. "Lyra, I really need to focus. My grades are suffering because of you. If I can just...touch you, maybe it will help me concentrate better." His eyes sparkled with mischief, and Lyra knew she had to make a decision. She could continue down the path she was on, or she could take a different route. "I'll tell you what," Lyra said finally, trying to protect her position. "If you can get your grades back on track and stay focused, I might...consider letting you touch me. Just my breast, and just to help you focus." Ethan's eyes lit up, and Lyra could see the excitement in his gaze. She hoped that by giving in to his desires, even if just a little, she could keep him on track and maintain her position as his assistant. "I'll take that as a deal," Ethan said, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. Lyra's heart skipped a beat as she realized the implications of her offer. She was taking a risk, but she hoped it would pay off in the long run.