Dimitri Asterio is in my classroom. Dimitri Asterio is Theodore's brother.

He continues to stand behind Theodore, his eyes still locked on mine and his lips still curved with a threatening smirk that is slowly driving me over the edge.

I forget how to breathe. He's dressed sharply in a navy pinstripe suit that tailors his fine form. His hair is brushed back and neatly gelled but there's still a passing strand of hair that falls over his eyebrow.

Against last night's notion, he looks sober, calm and – and, everything like himself.

He looks exactly as he presented himself on television.

His jaw locks, defining his stubble and now he looks determined. He glances down at Theodore, "Is this the lovely teacher you speak so much about?" I don't miss the playful edge to his voice. And quite frankly, I don't miss the subtle rasp, the deep wave of his laughter and the twinkle that gleams mischievously in his rimmed persian blues.

They both begin their descent over to my desk and give myself a brief minute to gather my thoughts and mentally prepare myself. I rise from my chair, extending my hand out, "Mr Asterio," I remark. His warm hands meet mine instantly, his grip is firm and my hands feel rather small in his grip. "I'm Miss Romero, I teach Theodore English. Please take a seat,"

"Miss Romero," he says back, tasting my name on his tongue. There's a slight mock tone that doesn't slip under my radar and from his grin, he's having more fun than he should. His eyes scan down my body for a slight second that I think I might have imagined it.

There's approval in his eyes and I thank Christ for choosing an appropriate outfit for today. Not that it mattered, but I just wanted to look good and make a bold impression on my beloved student's parents.

First impressions are everything.

Today, I wore a sleeveless buttoned blazer dress that hugged my form perfectly with a subtle v forming over my bodice. A single diamond rested on my chest from my necklace with my hair braided into an updo and matching diamonds looped into my ears.

It was appropriate for today and had my taste of attire.

They both sit on the grey plastic chairs. Theodore looks mildly alarmed and is sweating out of his skin whereas Dimitri sits back comfortably, fixing his throat and coughing blatantly. Not once does his gaze leave mine and his burns with intensity – something threatening, calculating and profound.

I give him a one-over as I begin to greet Theodore and try to ease his nerves down, starting with how he thinks he's doing in my lessons and what he's worried about.

Dimitri smirks slightly at Theodore's minuscule concerns, chucking to himself slight as the pad of his thumb plays with his lips.

"Mr Asterio," He cranes his head back a bit, vividly relaxed. "Or... should I call you Mr Terio too?"

Theodore's lips slit and he laughs at my comment, having cracked the miniature secret behind his name.

Imagine having a billionaire for a brother and having to change your name to protect your identity.

"So, Theodore would you like to tell your brother what we've been studying this term?" Dimitri watched his younger sibling with fascination and a slight tinge of absurdity. He's a nervous wreck and spilling all over his words. Was it because it was parents evening today? Or because his brother was in the room?

Theodore glances around the room, his gestures uncertain and he soothes his arm as if it's been itching. "Yes, Miss Romero." He agrees after a beat. He faces his brother and Dimitri visibly tries his best to suppress a mean chuckle. He fixes his throat as a cover-up, his expression immediately dying out. What is the deal between those two?

Theodore ease, smiling. "We've been studying A Christmas Carol and–" He narrates to the elder Asterio. My lips pressed together, noticing the resemblance is uncanny between them. You can bluntly pin-point them to be brothers. They have the same dark blue eyes, the same coloured hair, almost styled identically and the same mannerisms of smiling with nothing good in their eyes. I can just about make out the influences that Theodore has stolen from Dimitri - like the perfect windsor knot on his tie, the assertive aura that both of them possess and look of perplexity in which they both meet the pad of their thumb to their lips.

The only difference between them is that Theodore is far younger and has an edge of playfulness to him at the budding age of sixteen, whereas the older Asterio is more serious, emulates power and authority.

And is far sexier.

Dimitri passes me a glance but stops in his tracks when he notices already staring back at him. He cocks his dark eyebrow at me, a smug look passing over his lips.

Christ, I hated him.

Look at that smug face of his. Thinking he can walk in with his power and pretend as if I don't know him.

I forcefully turn my attention back to Theodore concerns for memorising Macbeth quotes for his first literature paper.

I ignore the billionaire's eyes on me and give out helpful suggestions on ways Theodore can cope. Not once did his eyes leave my face as Theodore spoke. As if he was deeply captivated by something else, something more interesting worth his time.

Don't look at him. Don't look at him.

I grin at Theodore's remark on Dickens, "That's fantastic to hear, Theodore." I feel somewhat accomplished and make a note to celebrate the victory with a huge glass of wine later. "I'm glad to know you're liking Dickens now."

Theodore nervously laughs, his gaze softening as he confesses, "I only like it because you're teaching my class now, Miss R. You're my favourite teacher."

I pause at the confession and my heart flips twice before I'm left smiling like an idiot. "That means a lot to me. Thank you, sweetheart," Theodore smiles like he's won the lottery.

Goddamn, that boy was a real charmer.

I open my drawer and slide out a piece of paper, beginning to inform Asterio of his younger brother's passion. "Mr Asterio, I should make you aware that Theodore has expressed his passion for journalism."

Dimitri looks confused and passes Theodore a pointed look. "Journalism?" He inquired, his eyebrow-raising slightly. "Is that something you want to do, Theo?"

Theodore caves himself in before regaining some strength, "Yes, Dimitri" he nods, firmly stating it.

"There's a wonderful opportunity; BNS's journalism competition. I believe that he should send in a submission." I push over the sheet to Dimitri and he holds it up in his hand, reading through it.

Theodore is smiling like a num-suckle, grinning from ear-to-ear. "I already know what I wanna write about..." He states, his expression turning quizzical for a second. "An investigative article about corrupt billionaires!"

Dimitri snaps his head towards him immediately, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. "I hope that excludes me?" He gives Theodore a cautious look that morphs into a minor warning. Despite the tension that penetrates Dimitri, there's some humour in his voice. I try my best to contain my laugh at Theodore's groan of annoyance but it slips out.

Dimitri reaches into the inside of his three-piece suit blazer and pulls out an ink pen, unscrewing the lid and signing his name down in cursive with an artistic capital 'D'.

Theodore tediously watches him, his expression well contained but I can tell he wants to explode from the inside.

He pushes it back and I thank him. "That's very ambitious, but how about we start out with something small? Why don't you try interviewing your brother?" I arch my eyebrow at Dimitri and he doesn't miss the message.

Theodore nods and tells me he'll still need time to brainstorm initial ideas. I safely place the permission slip in my draw, ready to attach it to the email that has been sitting in my inbox for three days and tell him I'll be delighted to help him. I begin, ready to wrap up the meeting fast because I don't think I can a second longer of Dimitri's intense gaze that lingers over me.

Locking my hands together in front of the desk, I state that I don't see anything mildly concerning Theodore nor his behaviour and he has absolutely nothing to worry about with his exams. "Other than that, his progress in class is phenomenal and he is a bright kid. He is polite, well mannered and always on time for my class. And I'm pleased to know you don't let Christian distract you." I add. Theodore smirks at the comment, seeming well proud of himself.

"That's Christian Williams for you," Dimitri mutters under his breath, amused.

I'm about to tell him both goodnight and declare it the end of this meeting but I notice that Dimitri hasn't expressed any concerns for Theodore or has asked me any questions. I glance behind him, my eyes darting to the display board of Macbeth that has the three-witches drawn on it. The clock sits above it, reminding me we are over-running by five minutes. I just wanted to wrap up and go home but I have to give that right to him.

"Is there anything you'd like to discuss about Theodore's progress, Mr Asterio?" I really hope there's nothing.

His eyes pierce directly into mine and he nods, the looks promising nothing to do with Theodore or his progress. At that moment, I wish I never asked that and just wrapped it up like my original plan. "There is, Miss Romero," he states. "Theodore, could you please step outside? I'd like to discuss some crucial things with Miss Romero, here."

I freeze up, slightly alarmed. Theodore's eyebrows have met together, scowling at his brother and he's sending him a dirty glare.

Dimitri passes him a hard glare. "Miss... Are you sure?" he's hesitant.

I send him a tight smile, nodding. "Please wait outside, Theodore." He immediately stands from his seat, passing his brother a hard glare with a disapproving head-shake.

"Close the door behind you," Dimitri says behind him. It's a command. I watch as Theodore walks out, shutting the door behind him but Dimitri is far more focused on the sight in front of him.

I don't know whether to be offended or shocked at how he's immediately taken the floor of this meeting and is now the one in control.

I don't know, I don't know.

"So, Miss Romero..." Dimitri begins.

No, no, no. This is your space, this your room, this is your classroom. You're the one in control, not him. I remind myself. I cross my arms over my chest, sending him a sharp glare to respect his goddamn boundaries as I try to remain professional. "Mr Terio." I mock. I can't help it, it slipped out. The calling earns me a grin from him.

He doesn't waste any time and snaps to the point. "I gave you my card, why didn't you call me?" My eyebrow slightly raises at his sudden question. Oh, so he wants to talk about last night. I try not to reveal anything from my failing expression and still push for that boundary between us. He's my student's brother for goddamn it. He doesn't owe me a damn thing.

Pretend last night didn't happen. Pretend last night did NOT happen! I cross my arms over my chest, I can feel my nails prick the inside of my arm. My lips are pursued and my face is stern, "Is there anything you'd actually like to discuss about your brother's progress Mr Asterio?"

He shrugs, humming. "I think you've covered everything, unless you'd like to say anything else?"

I say nothing.

"–but I'd like to discuss us."

He takes me by surprise, "Pardon me?"

He has a no-bullshit visage on his face and he slightly rolls his eyes.

"Us?"

"Last night." He says it phrase for phrase, as if he's explaining to a little child. "So, I repeat myself: Why didn't you call me?"

Fine, if he wants to discuss last night. Let's fucking discuss last night. I give him a scowl, my lips pressing in disgust. "Call you? Or ring your PA's." My tone comes out harsher than expected. "And I would not like to have spent my entire lunch trying to get through to you."

He opens his mouth to say something but I silence him off instantly, "I understand you're a very powerful and busy man. This matter does not concern you anymore, Asterio." I make myself clear.

He plays with a ring on his pinky finger, "My PA was expecting your call today." He explains.

Condescendingly, I declare it again in case he hasn't heard me. "This does not concern you anymore, Mr Asterio."

He takes a deep breath from his nose. My eyes fell away from his face, thinking back to the hit and how the anger coursed through my veins. "It concerned you last night but you fled away fast."

"I apologise."

I don't want or need your apology.

His gaze turns soft, regarding me with deep concern, "How did you get home?" I look into the deep blues of his eyes. Last night I could remember the haze that passed over him, he was drunk.

I shake my head, fixing my throat reminding myself to stay professional. "This is highly inappropriate for you to be asking me this!" Shut him down, shut him down.

"If I had known it was you, I wouldn't have hesitated to call the police." The anger comes out when I'm least expecting it. "I should have called the police -- Speeding whilst drunk? I could have been seriously injured or you too."

My threat transcends over him, he's not concerned in the slightest. "I'm Dimitri Asterio," he replies blatantly. "With my power and money, the police would've let me go." he rolls his eyes slightly amused.

I glared at him, knowing he was goddamn right. Men like him are not held accountable for anything.

He gazes into the distance, silent for a second before speaking. "And I apologise once again. I was only speeding because the paparazzi were after me. I was blinded by the lights and to escape, I took a left and crashed."

I don't reply, chewing the inside of my cheek. "Let me pay you back for your car. Send me your insurance number." he nods.

He owed me. He owed me. He fucking owed me.

Then again, he owes me absouelty fucking nothing.

I snap, shaking my head firmly with my eyebrows furrowing. "No, you may leave now Mr Asterio. Theodore was my last student." I tell him.

His shoulders drop, he licks his lip, as if telling me I'm being a stubborn bitch. "I feel as if I owe you." he explains.

My jaw locked and all I see is red. "Men like you owe me nothing. Goodnight Mr Asterio."

He takes a deep breath. "Very well then."

He arises from his seat and with a final breath, he states, "It was a pleasure, Miss Romero." With that said, he leaves, opening the door for himself. He doesn't glance back and I don't have to look at him to know it.

————

Opps, this is getting intense by the second...

signing off,

— 𝓐.