Karl's POV
The hand that was squeezing her breast suddenly relaxed, and I adjusted her bra, slowly moving the hand that was resting on her neck upward, wiping away the tears that had collected beneath her eyelids.
"I want you," I said.
I withdrew my hand completely, a hint of self-deprecation and melancholy on my face. "But it's more than just getting into bed and making love."
"What I want goes much deeper than you know."
Cecilia hung her head, breathing lightly, her expression obscured by her tears.
As I watched her, my heart was filled with a growing sense of frustration and gloom. I regretted this whole situation, feeling a bit panicked. I reached out to hold her, but Cecilia pushed my hand away before it could reach her.
Finally, I let my hand drop, half-closed my eyes, and fell silent for a moment before gently asking, "What was your rank in the last monthly exam?"
All Cecilia could manage was a sob.
