Negotiation

I stood bare and tense, my arms stiffly pinned to my sides as Professor Cisneros' eyes gleamed with amusement. The cool air of my office brushed against me, reminding me just how exposed I was.

“Let’s talk... terms,” she purred, pacing slowly, her eyes never leaving my fully revealed form.

I cleared my throat, desperate to regain some control of the situation. “Terms?”

“Mmhmm.” Her tone was silky, as though she was enjoying dragging this out.

“I’ve got a very special research project coming up,” she explained, “and thanks to the Dean’s generous contract... you’re required to collaborate with other departments.”

I winced, cursing my eagerness when I’d signed that deal.

“What’s... the research?” I asked cautiously.

Her smile widened, clearly relishing my discomfort. “Biomechanics.”

I blinked. That could mean anything.

“Care to be... more specific?”

“Not yet.” She circled me slowly, her heels clicking softly against the floor. “I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise.”

Her voice dripped with implication, and my mind raced, imagining the worst.

“And if I agree?” I asked, forcing steadiness into my voice.

She paused, arching an eyebrow. “Then I might be... persuaded... to return some of your clothing.”

I perked up instantly. “Deal.”

Her eyes sparkled, surprised by my quick surrender.

“Good boy,” she murmured, her voice low and sultry.

I groaned internally, feeling a fresh wave of embarrassment.

With deliberate slowness, she reached into her bag, pulling out...

...a small hand towel.

My hand towel.

The exact same towel I’d lost during my streak across campus.

She held it up like she was offering treasure, her grin widening at my stunned expression.

“This... is it?” I choked out, staring at the tiny scrap of fabric.

“What? Were you expecting more?” she teased.

I gaped at her. “It’s barely a towel!”

She smirked, clearly enjoying herself. “You should be grateful. I was going to give you... a sock.”

I groaned, face burning, realizing she had planned this from the start.

“Take it... or leave it,” she purred, dangling the towel just out of reach.

With no choice, I snatched the small towel from her hand, feeling its familiar rough texture. I grimaced as I wrapped it around my waist, barely covering anything.

“See? Much better.” She winked, clearly pleased by how ridiculous I must have looked.