#intelligent process automation tools

[essglobe]

Navigating The Future With Hyper-Automation Trends In 2023

In today's fast-paced business landscape, hyper-automation stands at the forefront of technological innovation, reshaping industries worldwide. This transformative approach, blending artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), robotic process automation (RPA), and more, is revolutionizing how organizations streamline operations, boost efficiency, and drive innovation. As we venture into 2023, let's delve into the hyper-automation trends in 2023 that are set to shape the future of work. Discover the latest trends in hyper-automation for 2023, from intelligent process automation to data-driven insights. Stay ahead in the age of automation.

[datapeakbyfactr]

How to Choose the Best AI Tool for Your Data Workflow

AI isn’t just changing the way we work with data, it’s opening doors to entirely new possibilities. From streamlining everyday tasks to uncovering insights that were once out of reach, the right AI tools can make your data workflow smarter and more efficient. But with so many options out there, finding the one that fits can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why taking the time to understand your needs and explore your options isn’t just smart, it’s essential. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a proven, easy-to-remember decision-making framework: The D.A.T.A. Method: a 4-step process to help you confidently choose the AI tool that fits your workflow, team, and goals. 

The D.A.T.A. Method: A Framework for Choosing AI Tools 

The D.A.T.A. Method stands for: 

Define your goals 

Analyze your data needs 

Test tools with real scenarios 

Assess scalability and fit 

Each step provides clarity and focus, helping you navigate a crowded market of AI platforms with confidence. 

Step 1: Define Your Goals 

Start by identifying the core problem you’re trying to solve. Without a clear purpose, it’s easy to be distracted by tools with impressive features but limited practical value for your needs. 

Ask yourself: 

What are you hoping to achieve with AI? 

Are you focused on automating workflows, building predictive models, generating insights, or something else? 

Who are the primary users: data scientists, analysts, or business stakeholders? 

What decisions or processes will this tool support? 

Having a well-defined objective will help narrow down your choices and align tool functionality with business impact. 

Step 2: Analyze Your Data Needs 

Different AI tools are designed for different types of data and use cases. Understanding the nature of your data is essential before selecting a platform. 

Consider the following: 

What types of data are you working with? (Structured, unstructured, text, image, time-series, etc.) 

How is your data stored? (Cloud databases, spreadsheets, APIs, third-party platforms) 

What is the size and volume of your data? 

Do you need real-time processing capabilities, or is batch processing sufficient? 

How clean or messy is your data? 

For example, if you're analyzing large volumes of unstructured text data, an NLP-focused platform like MonkeyLearn or Hugging Face may be more appropriate than a traditional BI tool. 

Step 3: Test Tools with Real Scenarios 

Don’t rely solely on vendor claims or product demos. The best way to evaluate an AI tool is by putting it to work in your own environment. 

Here’s how: 

Use a free trial, sandbox environment, or open-source version of the tool. 

Load a representative sample of your data. 

Attempt a key task that reflects a typical use case in your workflow. 

Assess the output, usability, and speed. 

During testing, ask: 

Is the setup process straightforward? 

How intuitive is the user interface? 

Can the tool deliver accurate, actionable results? 

How easy is it to collaborate and share results? 

This step ensures you're not just selecting a powerful tool, but one that your team can adopt and scale with minimal friction. 

Step 4: Assess Scalability and Fit 

Choosing a tool that meets your current needs is important, but so is planning for future growth. Consider how well a tool will scale with your team and data volume over time. 

Evaluate: 

Scalability: Can it handle larger datasets, more complex models, or multiple users? 

Integration: Does it connect easily with your existing tech stack and data pipelines? 

Collaboration: Can teams work together within the platform effectively? 

Support: Is there a responsive support team, active user community, and comprehensive documentation? 

Cost: Does the pricing model align with your budget and usage patterns? 

A well-fitting AI tool should enhance (not hinder) your existing workflow and strategic roadmap. 

“The best tools are the ones that solve real problems, not just the ones with the shiniest features.”

— Ben Lorica (Data scientist and AI conference organizer)

Categories of AI Tools to Explore 

To help narrow your search, here’s an overview of AI tool categories commonly used in data workflows: 

Data Preparation and Cleaning 

Trifacta 

Alteryx 

DataRobot 

Machine Learning Platforms 

Google Cloud AI Platform 

Azure ML Studio 

H2O.ai 

Business Intelligence and Visualization 

Tableau – Enterprise-grade dashboards and visual analytics. 

Power BI – Microsoft’s comprehensive business analytics suite. 

ThoughtSpot – Search-driven analytics and natural language querying. 

DataPeak by Factr – A next-generation AI assistant that’s ideal for teams looking to enhance decision-making with minimal manual querying.  

AI Automation and Workflow Tools 

UiPath 

Automation Anywhere 

Zapier (AI integrations) 

Data Integration and ETL 

Talend 

Fivetran 

Apache NiFi 

Use the D.A.T.A. Method to determine which combination of these tools best supports your goals, data structure, and team workflows. 

AI Tool Selection Checklist 

Here’s a practical checklist to guide your evaluation process: 

Have you clearly defined your use case and goals? 

Do you understand your data’s structure, source, and quality? 

Have you tested the tool with a real-world task? 

Can the tool scale with your team and data needs? 

Is the pricing model sustainable and aligned with your usage? 

Does it integrate smoothly into your existing workflow? 

Is support readily available? 

Selecting the right AI tool is not about chasing the newest technology, it’s about aligning the tool with your specific needs, goals, and data ecosystem. The D.A.T.A. Method offers a simple, repeatable way to bring structure and strategy to your decision-making process. 

With a thoughtful approach, you can cut through the noise, avoid common pitfalls, and choose a solution that genuinely enhances your workflow. The perfect AI tool isn’t the one with the most features, it’s the one that fits your needs today and grows with you tomorrow.

Learn more about DataPeak:

[ronaldtateblog]

Discover the Best AI Automation Tools for Your Business

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, and choosing the right automation tools is key to unlocking its full potential. According to MIT research, companies that strategically implement AI-driven automation see a significant boost in productivity. For business leaders, the challenge isn’t deciding whether to adopt AI automation tools — it’s determining which tools…

[precallai]

Inside the AI Based Contact Center with Tools Tech and Trends

Introduction

The evolution of customer service has entered a new era with the rise of the AI based contact center. No longer just a support line, today’s contact centers are intelligent, data-driven hubs that utilize artificial intelligence to deliver personalized, efficient, and scalable customer interactions. As businesses race to stay ahead of the curve, understanding the essential tools, technologies, and emerging trends that power AI-driven contact centers becomes crucial. This article explores how AI is transforming contact centers and what lies ahead for this innovative landscape.

The Rise of the AI Based Contact Center

Traditional contact centers, though essential, have long suffered from inefficiencies such as long wait times, inconsistent service, and high operational costs. AI-based contact centers are solving these issues by automating routine tasks, predicting customer needs, and delivering omnichannel support.

AI technology, such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and robotic process automation (RPA), is now integrated into contact center platforms to enhance agent productivity and customer satisfaction.

Essential Tools Driving AI Based Contact Centers

1. AI-Powered Chatbots and Virtual Agents

Chatbots are the most visible AI tool in contact centers. These virtual assistants handle customer queries instantly and are available 24/7. Advanced bots can handle complex conversations using NLP and deep learning, reducing human intervention for repetitive inquiries.

2. Intelligent Interactive Voice Response (IVR) Systems

Modern IVR systems use voice recognition and AI to route calls more accurately. Unlike traditional menu-based IVRs, intelligent IVRs can interpret natural language, making customer interactions smoother and faster.

3. Speech Analytics Tools

AI-driven speech analytics tools analyze live or recorded conversations in real time. They extract keywords, sentiments, and emotional cues, offering insights into customer satisfaction, agent performance, and compliance issues.

4. Workforce Optimization (WFO) Platforms

AI helps optimize staffing through forecasting and scheduling tools that predict call volumes and agent availability. These platforms improve efficiency and reduce costs by aligning workforce resources with demand.

5. CRM Integration and Predictive Analytics

By integrating AI with CRM systems, contact centers gain predictive capabilities. AI analyzes customer data to forecast needs, recommend next-best actions, and personalize interactions, leading to higher engagement and retention.

Core Technologies Enabling AI Based Contact Centers

1. Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP allows machines to understand, interpret, and respond in human language. This is the backbone of AI-based communication, enabling features like voice recognition, sentiment detection, and conversational AI.

2. Machine Learning and Deep Learning

These technologies enable AI systems to learn from past interactions and improve over time. They are used to personalize customer interactions, detect fraud, and optimize call routing.

3. Cloud Computing

Cloud platforms provide the infrastructure for scalability and flexibility. AI contact centers hosted in the cloud offer remote access, fast deployment, and seamless integration with third-party applications.

4. Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

RPA automates repetitive tasks such as data entry, ticket generation, and follow-ups. This frees up human agents to focus on more complex customer issues, improving efficiency.

Emerging Trends in AI Based Contact Centers

1. Hyper-Personalization

AI is pushing personalization to new heights by leveraging real-time data, purchase history, and browsing behavior. Contact centers can now offer customized solutions and product recommendations during live interactions.

2. Omnichannel AI Integration

Customers expect consistent service across channels—phone, email, chat, social media, and more. AI tools unify customer data across platforms, enabling seamless, context-aware conversations.

3. Emotion AI and Sentiment Analysis

Emotion AI goes beyond words to analyze voice tone, pace, and volume to determine a caller's emotional state. This data helps agents adapt their responses or triggers escalations when needed.

4. Agent Assist Tools

AI now works hand-in-hand with human agents by suggesting responses, summarizing calls, and providing real-time knowledge base access. These agent assist tools enhance productivity and reduce training time.

5. AI Ethics and Transparency

As AI becomes more prevalent, companies are increasingly focused on responsible AI usage. Transparency in how decisions are made, data privacy, and eliminating bias are emerging priorities for AI implementation.

Benefits of Adopting an AI Based Contact Center

Businesses that adopt AI-based contact centers experience a variety of benefits:

Improved Customer Satisfaction: Faster, more accurate responses enhance the overall experience.

Cost Reduction: Automation reduces reliance on large human teams for repetitive tasks.

Increased Scalability: AI can handle spikes in volume without compromising service quality.

Better Insights: Data analytics uncover trends and customer behaviors for better strategy.

Challenges in AI Based Contact Center Implementation

Despite the advantages, there are challenges to be aware of:

High Initial Investment: Setting up AI tools can be capital intensive.

Integration Complexities: Integrating AI with legacy systems may require customization.

Change Management: Staff may resist AI adoption due to fear of replacement or complexity.

Data Security and Compliance: AI systems must adhere to data protection regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.

Future Outlook of AI Based Contact Centers

The future of AI-based contact centers is promising. As technology matures, we can expect deeper personalization, more intuitive bots, and stronger collaboration between human agents and AI. Voice AI will become more empathetic and context-aware, while backend analytics will drive strategic decision-making.

By 2030, many experts predict that AI will handle the majority of customer interactions, with human agents stepping in only for high-level concerns. This hybrid model will redefine efficiency and service quality in the contact center industry.

Conclusion

The AI based contact center is transforming how businesses interact with customers. With powerful tools, cutting-edge technologies, and evolving trends, organizations are reimagining the contact center as a strategic asset rather than a cost center. By investing in AI, companies can enhance customer experiences, improve operational efficiency, and stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace. The time to explore and adopt AI contact center solutions is now—because the future of customer support is already here.

[stapleai]

Struggling with endless paperwork and administrative headaches in healthcare? Discover how automation is revolutionizing the way clinics, hospitals, and care facilities operate! In our latest blog post, “Reducing Administrative Burden with Automation,” we dive deep into the real-world impact of admin overload, share eye-opening industry stats, and reveal how AI-driven automation is freeing up staff, cutting costs, and putting patient care back at the center. Learn how leading organizations are slashing wait times, boosting satisfaction, and transforming their operations—one automated workflow at a time. Ready to see what’s possible? Read the full story now!

[instantedownloads]

How to Use n8n and AI to Build an Automation System

Automation is changing how we work every day. It helps save time, reduce mistakes, and get more done with less effort. If you want to automate your tasks but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you. In this post, you will learn how to use n8n — a free, open-source automation tool — combined with AI to build smart workflows that do work for you. What Is n8n? n8n (pronounced…

[nagentai]

Stay ahead with the latest trends in AI agents. Learn how these autonomous tools are reshaping industries, from finance to healthcare.

Discover how AI agents are transforming industries with intelligent automation, boosting efficiency, and enabling smarter decision-making in 2025 and beyond.

[technologyequality]

AI-Powered Business Analytics: Make Smarter Decisions, Faster

AI-Powered Business Analytics Make Smarter Decisions, Faster 💡 AI-powered analytics give you instant insights into what’s working and what’s not. Learn how to use AI to optimize business decisions. The Problem: Are You Guessing or Growing? Let’s be real—making business decisions based on gut feelings is like throwing darts blindfolded. Sure, you might hit the target occasionally, but most of…

[lifes-little-corner]

AI interview preparation

I remember my first job interview vividly. It was a traditional setup—a panel of interviewers, a long list of questions, and the pressure to perform. Fast forward to today, and the process has evolved dramatically. With 87% of companies now leveraging advanced methods in recruitment, the way we approach interviews is changing1. These new methods focus on efficiency and fairness. For example,…

[datapeakbyfactr]

AI-Powered Decision-Making vs. Human Expertise: Who Wins? 

Artificial intelligence is already woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Whether you're getting personalized song suggestions on Spotify, seeing curated content on Netflix, navigating traffic with Google Maps, or having your email sorted by importance in Gmail, AI is quietly and powerfully shaping the choices we make. These AI-driven tools are making decisions on our behalf every day, often without us even realizing it. 

As AI continues to evolve, its role is expanding from recommending entertainment to influencing high-stakes decisions in healthcare, finance, law enforcement, and beyond. This growing presence raises a critical question: Can AI truly make better decisions than experienced human professionals or does it still fall short in areas where human judgment and intuition reign supreme? 

Understanding the Players: AI and Human Experts 

What Is AI-Powered Decision-Making? 

AI-powered decision-making refers to the use of algorithms, often driven by machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning, to analyze large datasets and generate insights, predictions, or recommendations. These systems can learn from experience, identify patterns humans may miss, and make decisions without fatigue or bias (at least in theory). 

Key strengths include: 

Speed and scale: AI can process terabytes of data in seconds. 

Pattern recognition: It detects trends and anomalies better than humans in complex datasets. 

Consistency: AI doesn’t suffer from emotions, distractions, or exhaustion. 

What Defines Human Expertise? 

Human expertise, on the other hand, is built on years, sometimes decades, of learning, intuition, and contextual understanding. An expert blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, social awareness, and ethical judgment. 

Human strengths include: 

Contextual understanding: Experts can interpret ambiguous or nuanced situations. 

Empathy and ethics: Humans bring emotional intelligence and moral reasoning to decisions. 

Adaptability: Experts can pivot strategies in response to changing circumstances or incomplete data. 

So, which is better? As with many complex questions, the answer depends on the context. 

When AI Outperforms Humans 

1. Data-Heavy Decisions 

AI shines when the decision-making process requires analyzing vast amounts of data quickly. In fields like finance and healthcare, AI systems are revolutionizing decision-making. 

Example: Medical diagnostics. AI algorithms trained on millions of medical images have demonstrated higher accuracy than radiologists in detecting certain cancers, such as breast and lung cancers. These systems can spot subtle patterns undetectable to the human eye and reduce diagnostic errors. 

2. Predictive Analytics 

AI’s ability to forecast outcomes based on historical data makes it incredibly powerful for strategic planning and operations. 

Example: Retail and inventory management. AI can predict which products will be in demand, when restocking is necessary, and how pricing strategies will affect sales. Amazon’s supply chain and logistics systems are powered by such predictive tools, allowing for just-in-time inventory and efficient deliveries. 

3. Repetitive, Rule-Based Tasks 

AI thrives in environments where rules are clear and outcomes can be mathematically modelled. 

Example: Autonomous vehicles. While not perfect, AI is capable of processing sensor data, mapping environments, and making real-time navigation decisions; tasks that are highly rule-based and repetitive. 

Where Human Expertise Wins 

1. Complex, Ambiguous Situations 

Humans excel in “grey areas” where rules are unclear, data is incomplete, and judgment calls must be made. 

Example: Crisis management. In rapidly evolving scenarios like natural disasters or geopolitical conflicts, experienced human leaders are better at weighing intangible factors such as public sentiment, cultural nuances, and ethical trade-offs. 

2. Empathy and Human Interaction 

Some decisions require understanding human emotions, motivations, and relationships which are areas where AI still lags significantly. 

Example: Therapy and counselling. While AI chatbots can offer basic mental health support, human therapists offer empathy, intuition, and adaptive communication that machines cannot replicate. 

3. Ethical Judgment 

Ethical dilemmas often involve values, societal norms, and moral reasoning. Human decision-makers are uniquely equipped to handle such complexity. 

Example: Autonomous weapons and warfare. Should an AI-powered drone have the authority to make life-or-death decisions? Most ethicists and governments agree that moral accountability should rest with humans, not algorithms. 

“The goal is to create AI that can collaborate with people to solve the world’s toughest problems, not replace them.”

— Demis Hassabis (CEO and Co-founder of DeepMind)

AI vs. Human in Chess and Beyond 

In 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue defeated world chess champion Garry Kasparov; a symbolic moment that marked AI’s growing capabilities. Today, AI engines like AlphaZero play chess at a superhuman level, discovering strategies that human players never imagined. 

But even Kasparov himself has advocated for “centaur chess” which is a form of play where humans and AI collaborate. He argues that human intuition, combined with machine calculation, makes for the most powerful chess strategy. 

This concept extends beyond the game board. In many domains, the ideal approach may not be AI versus humans, but AI with humans. 

Toward a Collaborative Future: The Human-AI Team

Rather than replacing humans, the most promising applications of AI lie in augmenting human decision-making. This “centaur model” or “human-in-the-loop” approach brings out the best in both.

Examples of Human-AI Collaboration: 

Healthcare: AI can screen X-rays, while doctors make the final diagnosis and communicate with patients. 

Recruitment: AI can sort resumes and highlight top candidates, but human recruiters assess cultural fit and conduct interviews. 

Customer service: AI chatbots handle routine queries, while complex issues are escalated to human agents. 

This hybrid approach ensures accuracy, empathy, and accountability, all while improving efficiency.  

Challenges & Considerations 

Even as we embrace AI, several challenges must be addressed: 

Bias in AI: If the data AI learns from is biased, its decisions will be too. Human oversight is essential to ensure fairness and ethical outcomes. 

Transparency: Many AI systems are “black boxes,” making it hard to understand how decisions are made. 

Accountability: Who is responsible when an AI system makes a wrong call? Legal and regulatory frameworks are still catching up. 

Job displacement: As AI takes over certain tasks, reskilling and transitioning the workforce become critical priorities. 

Final Verdict: Who Wins? 

The battle between AI and human expertise doesn’t have a single winner because it's not a zero-sum game. AI wins in data-heavy, rules-based, and high-speed environments. Humans excel in judgment, empathy, and moral reasoning. The true power lies in collaboration. 

As we move into the next phase of digital transformation, the organizations and societies that will thrive are those that leverage both machine precision and human wisdom. In this partnership, AI isn’t replacing us, it’s empowering us. 

So the real question isn’t "who wins?" it’s "how do we win together?" 

Learn more about DataPeak:

[meelsport]

Exploring the Benefits of AI SEO Tools for Your Website

AI SEO tools are transforming the way we approach search engine optimization. In today’s fast-paced digital world, leveraging AI SEO tools can give your website a significant edge over the competition. These advanced tools use artificial intelligence to enhance various aspects of SEO, making it easier for your content to rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs). Let’s dive into how AI…

[realjdobypr]

Supercharge Your Content Strategy with AI Technology

Overcoming Challenges in AI Adoption In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a crucial aspect for businesses looking to stay competitive and innovative. However, this adoption is not without its challenges. In this blog section, we will delve into two key challenges faced by organizations in the process of integrating AI into their…

[digiworkforce]

Join us & Microsoft in a live webinar exploring use cases for the Power Platform tools and their place in the wider Intelligent Automation. Learn more

[th3mrskory]

Lessons in Desire

Pairing: fem!Reader x Professor!Logan

Warning: 18+ MDNI, SMUT, explicit language, coercion, power play, handjob, fingering.

Summary: In the classroom, their power dynamics shift, drawing them closer to the edge of what’s acceptable. Caught between desire and the threat of scandal, they push past boundaries, each unable to deny the magnetic pull between them. But with stakes this high, the real question is: how much will they sacrifice for a forbidden passion they can’t control?

Word count: 7.7 k

A/N:For those that know me know that I love history (it was almost my major but life happened), so this was me basically thirsting over this pictures of Hugh and imagining him as my history teacher. Yes I’m exposing myself, anyways I hope you guys like it. If you guys have ideas that you would like to share with me, please let me know, and maybe we can create something. I’m rambling … please enjoy!

© th3mrskory. don’t copy, translate, or use my works in any form with AI, ChatGPT or any other automated tools. I only share my stories here, so if you see them posted elsewhere, i’d appreciate it if you let me know.

"Power is not always obvious," Professor Logan said, his eyes scanning the room, catching the attention of his students. "It doesn’t always come with a crown or a title. Sometimes it comes with a whisper, a glance, a gesture. And sometimes—sometimes it comes when you least expect it."

The lecture hall was a quiet hum, a symphony of the mundane—pens scratching against paper, the rustle of pages turning. Logan’s voice carried through the room, steady and calm, but beneath it ran an undercurrent of something else. He spoke of empires, of power, of rulers who bent the world to their will. His words were sharp, his delivery precise, but always with an edge of something darker, something more elusive.

His eyes lingered a moment longer on Y/N, sitting at the front, her pen poised over her notes. She was one of the best in the class, her focus unwavering, her understanding evident in the way she took in every word. He could see the intellect in her eyes, but there was something else too—a quiet defiance, a knowing. She met his gaze for just a fraction of a second before looking back down at her notes, but in that brief exchange, the air between them shifted.

"History," Logan continued, his voice low and resonant, "is full of those who understood this—those who knew how to wield influence without ever raising a sword." He let the words linger in the air, letting the students process, but his eyes were already searching, narrowing as they locked onto a figure in the front row—Y/N.

She sat with her chin propped in one hand, a look of quiet disinterest in her eyes as she scribbled down a few notes. Her friends, a small cluster of chatterboxes seated next to her, whispered among themselves, the occasional giggle slipping through the otherwise hushed atmosphere. Y/N didn’t seem to mind; her eyes drifted lazily over Logan, then back to her friends, her attention more drawn to the familiar cadence of their conversation than to the lecture itself.

Logan could feel her presence, could sense the way she seemed to float above his words. She was too intelligent to be completely consumed by his lecture, and perhaps that was the greatest challenge—how to captivate someone who had already mastered the material long before it was ever spoken aloud. And yet, every now and then, she would glance back at him, those eyes meeting his with a flicker of something unspoken. It was the same each class—brief, fleeting, but enough to remind him of the subtle power they held in each other's gaze.

"But what happens," Logan’s voice dipped lower, growing more intense, "when the power shifts? When authority is tested?" He paused, holding her attention a moment longer, the words weighing more heavily now. "We’ll see that today."

A student in the back row raised a hand, his voice eager. "Professor, are you suggesting that power is always a matter of perception? That someone can be in control without others even knowing?"

Logan glanced at the student, a brief flicker of amusement crossing his features. "Exactly," he replied, his eyes shifting back to Y/N, even though he answered the question. "Power often hides itself in plain sight—subtle, insidious. True power doesn’t need to announce its presence."

Another student chimed in, this time from the middle row. "So, like—manipulation?"

Logan paused, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Manipulation," he said, eyes narrowing with a trace of something dangerous, "can be a tool, if wielded wisely." His gaze, though, remained fixed on Y/N. "But power, true power, is about controlling the game without ever touching the pieces."

The students exchanged murmurs, their intrigue growing, but Logan’s focus never fully left Y/N. She wasn’t engaged in the discussion—not like the others—yet there was something about the way she let his words wash over her that made her more dangerous to him than any of the others. 

"Take the rulers of ancient Rome," Logan continued, seamlessly drawing the class back in, his tone now lighter, almost conversational. "They understood this very well. The true power wasn’t in the Senate or the legions, but in the whispers of the people. In the alliances made not on the battlefield, but in the shadows."

Y/N’s eyes flicked back to him, a moment of acknowledgment passing between them. She was listening now, more intently than before, but only just. Logan could feel it—how her mind moved faster than his words, how she already knew the direction he was going. And yet, something about the way she looked at him—something in that moment—made him pause, made the tension between them swell, palpable and thick.

Before he could finish his thought, Y/N interrupted him, her voice cutting through the air, the usual quiet of the room briefly shattered. "You’re going to tell us that real power isn’t in war or force, but in control, right?" Her words hung in the air, bold and playful, a challenge and a tease all at once.

Logan blinked, momentarily taken aback, but his gaze sharpened. His lips curled, not into a smile, but something more dangerous—acknowledgment, maybe even respect. "Control?" He leaned forward, his voice lowering, drawing her in. "Yes, it’s about control. But it’s not just any control. It’s the kind that’s invisible, the kind that makes others think they’re in charge while you hold the strings."

A flicker of something passed through Y/N’s eyes, a sharpness that matched his own. "Manipulation," she replied, her tone low but deliberate, her gaze never leaving his.

The words hung between them, charged. Logan’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly. She’s onto me, he thought, and that thought sent a current through him, an unfamiliar thrill. "If you want to call it that," he said, his voice low and smooth. "But manipulation only works if you understand who you’re manipulating—and why. It’s about knowing how to move, when to act, and when to let things fall into place."

Y/N didn’t flinch, her eyes never wavering. She leaned back slightly in her chair, arms crossed, as though she were more an observer than a student. "And when does the power shift?" she asked, tilting her head. "What happens then?"

Logan’s gaze shifted, a slight pause before he answered. He had expected her to be sharp, but this was something different. "When the power shifts," he said slowly, his voice turning almost wistful, "you learn who really holds it."

The room settled into a quiet anticipation, the kind that only arose when the lecture strayed from the script. Logan turned to the chalkboard, picking up a piece of chalk and scrawling a name in bold strokes: Julius Caesar. The classroom watched, but Y/N’s eyes followed the movement with an almost lazy attentiveness, her focus as sharp as it was disinterested.

"Take Caesar," Logan began, his back to the room. "Brilliant general. Unstoppable conqueror. But what truly made him dangerous wasn’t his victories on the battlefield." He underlined the name, his strokes precise. "It was the way he made himself indispensable to Rome—how he turned loyalty into a weapon."

He turned back to face the class, letting his eyes drift again to Y/N, who hadn’t moved, her expression inscrutable. "He didn’t just seize power. He made them give it to him. The Senate, the people—they thought they were in control. But every step they took to restrain him only tightened his hold on them."

A hand shot up near the back of the room. "Wasn’t that what got him killed, though? Didn’t the Senate turn on him because they felt he had too much power?"

Logan’s mouth curved into a faint smile. "Exactly. But even in his death, Caesar proved his point. The Republic collapsed soon after, and the empire he had envisioned took its place. His name—his legacy—became synonymous with authority. Even those who conspired against him couldn’t escape his influence."

He leaned back against his desk, arms folding loosely across his chest. "So, the question isn’t whether power shifts. It always does. The question is—" his gaze swept over the class, settling on Y/N once more, "—who has prepared for the moment when it does?"

Her friends exchanged murmurs beside her, but Y/N stayed silent. Her fingers tapped idly on the edge of her notebook, her posture casual, but there was something coiled beneath it, something deliberate. She tilted her head, her lips parting as though to speak, but then she stopped, a ghost of a smile brushing her face as she leaned back again.

Logan noticed the hesitation. His jaw tightened, just for a moment, before he turned his attention back to the broader audience. "In Rome," he continued, voice steady, "Caesar’s power wasn’t in the Senate or the legions. It was in his ability to command the loyalty of others. He made them believe in him, even as he dismantled everything they held sacred."

The room buzzed faintly with whispers, but Logan didn’t silence them. He allowed the undercurrent to fill the space, his words sinking in slowly. He glanced at the clock—five minutes until the hour.

"All right," he said, his tone shifting to something lighter, "we’ll stop there for today. Read the chapters on Rome’s transition from Republic to Empire. And," he added, his gaze briefly flitting to Y/N, "consider what it takes to hold power without ever appearing to grasp it."

The students began to shuffle their things, the noise of zippers and chair legs scraping against the floor filling the room. Y/N stood, slipping her notebook into her bag as her friends chatted beside her. But as she made her way toward the door, Logan’s voice cut through the hum.

"Y/N," he called, his tone neutral but firm. "Do you have a minute?"

Her friends shot her curious glances, but she waved them off. "I’ll catch up," she said, her voice easy, almost careless. She turned back toward Logan, stepping away from the others.

He waited until the room had cleared, the door clicking shut behind the last student, before he spoke. "I need some help with grading," he said, his words measured. "“I could use some extra hands this evening—are you available?”

Y/N raised a brow, her lips quirking in faint amusement. "Grading? Or a lesson in subtlety?"

Logan’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t smile. "We’ll see," he replied, his tone low, charged.

She considered him for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. When and where?"

"My office," he said simply. "Six o’clock."

Y/N didn’t respond, but the glance she gave him was answer enough before she turned and walked away, leaving him alone in the empty classroom.

Logan remained seated on the edge of his desk as the classroom door swung shut behind her. The faint click of her heels against the hallway floor lingered in his ears, each step an echo, a countdown. He exhaled, dragging a hand through his hair, his fingers catching briefly before dropping back to his side. The room, now empty, felt larger somehow, its silence almost accusatory.

Grading. The excuse had come so easily, almost too easily, but it was better than nothing. He couldn’t very well say what was really on his mind—hell, even he wasn’t sure what that was. All he knew was that when she spoke, when her gaze pinned him in place, the careful structure he maintained in his world started to shift, brick by brick.

He pushed himself off the desk, straightening his tie as he crossed the room to gather his notes. His handwriting, normally steady, seemed slightly uneven today. He glanced at the last page, where his lecture had trailed off into a cluster of jagged phrases—power, perception, control. He closed the notebook sharply, the sound satisfying in the empty space.

By the time six o’clock rolled around, Logan was in his office. The space was small but personal—bookshelves crammed with volumes of history and philosophy, their spines worn from years of abuse. A map of the ancient world hung on one wall, dotted with small push pins marking significant events. His desk, a heavy wooden piece with years of scratches and scars, was cluttered with papers, a half-empty coffee cup, and a small brass figurine of a Roman eagle.

The knock on his door was soft, but deliberate. He glanced up, already knowing who it would be. "Come in," he said, his voice steady, betraying none of the anticipation simmering beneath the surface.

Y/N stepped inside, her expression calm, almost detached, but her eyes gave her away—bright, alert, scanning the room in a single sweep before settling on him. She carried her bag over one shoulder, her free hand resting casually on the strap.

"You’re early," he remarked, leaning back in his chair.

She shrugged, letting the door click shut behind her. "Figured I’d get this over with."

Logan smirked, gesturing toward the chair opposite him. "Glad to know I’m such a burden."

Y/N didn’t sit immediately. Instead, she wandered a few steps, her fingers lightly grazing the edge of one of the bookshelves as she glanced over the titles. "You’ve got a lot of books about power," she noted, her tone light but probing.

"Comes with the territory," he replied. "History is about power—who has it, who wants it, and what they’ll do to keep it."

She turned then, meeting his gaze. "And you? Are you one of those who want it?"

Logan’s smirk faded, replaced by something quieter, more guarded. "You don’t get to ask questions like that without sitting down first."

Y/N tilted her head, amused, but she complied, settling into the chair across from him. She crossed one leg over the other.

"So," she said, breaking the silence, "grading. What’s the plan?"

Logan slid a small stack of papers across the desk, his fingers brushing hers briefly as she reached for them. "Freshman essays on Rome’s decline. Half of them won’t even spell Caesar right."

Y/N flipped through the stack, her expression unreadable. "Sounds riveting."

"Welcome to my world," he said dryly.

For a while, they worked in near silence, the occasional rustle of papers or scratch of pen filling the air. But Logan couldn’t help watching her, the way her brow furrowed slightly as she read, the way her fingers tapped absently against the desk when she paused to think.

"You're good at this," he said after a while, his voice breaking the quiet.

She glanced up, raising an eyebrow. "At grading?"

"At analysis," he clarified. "You see things most people don’t."

Y/N set the paper she’d been holding back on the desk, leaning forward slightly. "And what do you see, Professor?"

Logan met her gaze, and for a moment, the room felt smaller, the air heavier. "Someone who doesn’t like being underestimated," he said simply.

Her lips twitched, not quite a smile, but something close. "Good," she said softly. "Because you’d be wrong if you did."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of the unspoken hanging between them. Then, Y/N leaned back, breaking the tension. "So, what’s the verdict on these essays? Anyone worth saving?"

Logan blinked, the spell broken, and glanced at the stack. "A couple, maybe. But how is it possible,” he muttered, “to spend weeks discussing the rise and fall of empires, only for them to write that Julius Caesar’s greatest achievement was dying?”

Y/N burst out laughing, the sound breaking the otherwise quiet room. She set down her pen, shaking her head. “Please tell me you’re joking.”

Logan picked up the offending essay and held it out to her. “See for yourself. Apparently, his second-greatest achievement was ‘Romeo and Juliet.’”

She snorted, her eyes scanning the page as she leaned over the desk. “This is tragic. This one essay could single-handedly set the entire field of history back by centuries.”

“Well, at least they’re consistent,” Logan said dryly, tossing another essay into the reject pile. “This one thought the ‘divine right of kings’ was God handing out crowns like participation trophies.”

Y/N laughed again, the sound warm and unguarded, and Logan found himself watching her for a beat longer than necessary. Her shoulders shook as she leaned back in her chair, an easy confidence radiating off her.

“So, what about you?” he asked, shifting the focus. “How’s your thesis coming along?”

“Slowly,” she admitted, crossing her arms. “I’ve narrowed it down to the influence of religion on political systems, but it’s like peeling back an onion. Every time I think I’m getting somewhere, there’s another layer waiting.”

Logan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “You’re taking on a beast of a topic. What angle are you focusing on?”

“The shift from divine justification to secular authority,” Y/N replied, her tone more serious now. “How religion was weaponized to maintain control, and how that control evolved when religion started losing its grip.”

A flicker of respect passed through his eyes, though he kept his tone light. “Ambitious. Let me guess—you’re arguing it’s all manipulation in the end?”

She smiled, tilting her head. “What else would it be? Power is power, whether it’s cloaked in faith or reason. It’s still about controlling people.”

Logan leaned back slightly in his chair, his pen tapping idly against the desk. His gaze lingered on her, thoughtful yet laced with curiosity. “You’ve got your thesis to worry about, and still, you’re helping me out. I appreciate it. I just hope I’m not keeping you from anything—or anyone—important. A boyfriend waiting for you, perhaps?”

Y/N snorted softly, her lips curling into a wry smile. “Hardly. He’s low-maintenance.”

Logan raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her answer. “Low-maintenance? What does that mean?”

Y/N’s gaze flicked to him, mischief dancing in her eyes. “It means he’s rechargeable. Silent. Never argues. And he always knows when to stop.”

Logan’s smirk deepened, his voice smooth as he leaned forward just slightly. “So, he’s an easy out? No strings attached?”

“Exactly,” she replied, her tone playful. “No messy complications. Just... straight to the point.”

Logan chuckled, the sound low and rich, almost predatory. “Hmm, sounds like you’ve found the perfect solution. Clean, uncomplicated.”

Y/N’s eyes twinkled with amusement, but there was a steel edge beneath her teasing tone. “I like things simple. No mind games. No drama. Just... what I need, when I need it.”

Logan leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening, intrigued by the calm confidence she wore. “Control. You’ve got that down to an art, haven’t you? Even in your... choice of company.”

She met his gaze, a sly smile curving her lips. “I learned from the best.”

Logan paused, his breath caught for just a moment, before he let out a quiet chuckle. “Flattery. That’s a dangerous game.”

Y/N’s smile deepened, her voice low but unwavering. “Maybe. But I’m not the one playing it.”

The brief silence between them felt charged, the space between words crackling with unspoken thoughts. Y/N allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to form as she leaned back slightly in her chair, her gaze steady on him. She tilted her head, her expression one of quiet challenge. “And what about you, Professor?” she asked casually, her voice laced with a hint of mischief. “Anyone waiting for you back home?”

Logan’s eyes darkened briefly, his expression shifting as he leaned back in his chair. The pen in his hand tapped against the desk, a rhythmic, deliberate motion that betrayed his otherwise calm demeanor. “No,” he said after a beat, his voice carrying an edge sharper than intended. “Commitment’s not really my style. I’m more of a... here-and-now kind of guy.”

Y/N’s brow lifted, her lips curling into a teasing smirk. “‘A here-and-now kind of guy,’” she repeated softly, the words brushing the air between them like a challenge. Her smile deepened, almost wistful. “That’s... disappointing.”

Logan’s gaze flickered for a moment, though his expression remained controlled, as if weighing her words, testing the waters. “Maybe,” he said, his voice quieter, almost nonchalant. “But complications have a way of unraveling things you don’t want to lose. Simpler’s safer.” He let the words hang in the air, deliberately guiding the conversation.

Y/N tilted her head, her eyes never leaving his. “Uncomplicated, sure,” she murmured, her voice soft but threaded with a quiet challenge. “But sometimes, don’t you think... what you’re missing is worth the complication?” Her words lingered in the air, but there was an almost imperceptible softness to her tone—a fleeting crack in her otherwise cool demeanor. Logan noted it, watching her with a careful, calculated look.

Logan smiled, just slightly, letting the moment breathe. “Maybe,” he replied, his voice now cooler, as though he were drawing back, pulling her deeper into the web without her fully realizing it. “But I’ve found that sometimes, it’s easier to avoid the... complications. Keeps things from getting messy.”

He let that hang in the air too, deliberately creating space, knowing the pause would make her respond. He met her gaze again, just long enough for her to sense his scrutiny. “You wouldn’t want that, right? Complications?”

Her lips curled into a soft smile, one that was almost... understanding, but it wasn’t quite enough to give away what she was thinking. “Maybe I don’t mind a little ‘complication’ every now and then,” she replied, her voice calm but her eyes locking onto his with quiet intensity. “After all, some things are worth the risk.”

Logan didn’t let the moment slip. He leaned forward slightly, maintaining just enough distance to keep the tension taut but still under his control. The words between them had reached a tipping point, and he could see it in her eyes—there was curiosity, but it was laced with something more.

For a brief second, Logan allowed his gaze to soften. This wasn’t just about testing her; it was about controlling the situation, manipulating it into the direction he wanted. “You sure you want to go down that road?” he murmured, his voice quiet, almost intimate. He was close enough now that the question felt like a warning, though Y/N couldn’t know it was a game he’d already planned out.

Y/N’s lips parted, her breath hitching slightly as she met his gaze. There was a faint hesitation in her eyes—one that she quickly masked, but it was there. “Maybe it’s just... curiosity,” she said, the words slipping out with an almost vulnerable undertone. She was playing along, but Logan knew she was being careful, trying to keep her emotions in check.

He smiled, watching her carefully, knowing exactly how to push without breaking the illusion. “Curiosity,” he repeated softly, his voice low but laced with something almost indulgent. He leaned in a fraction closer, just enough to close the space without crossing that line completely.

“You know,” he said quietly, his breath warm against her skin, “curiosity has a way of leading people to places they didn’t expect.”

Her heart rate quickened, but she held her ground, her lips barely moving as she whispered, “And sometimes, that’s exactly where you want to go.”

Logan’s breath hitched for the slightest moment, but he masked it instantly, his focus shifting to the game at hand. He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against hers in a tentative kiss. Soft. Calculated. His lips barely touched hers, enough to send the message, enough to make her feel something deeper.

It wasn’t a kiss of passion. It was a kiss of deliberate provocation.

When they finally broke apart, the air between them hummed with a charged silence, like the crackle of electricity in the aftermath of an intentional spark. Their breaths were shallow, their eyes locked, as if neither could move, both caught in the weight of what had just passed between them.

Logan was the first to speak, his voice lower than before, with just the slightest edge of something darker—more guarded. “This... we shouldn’t have done that,” he said, his words meant to sound like a regret he didn’t quite feel, the weight of the moment a tool in his hands. He wasn’t sorry—not truly. He wanted to see how she would react, whether she would flinch, show any sign of vulnerability, or challenge him. The flicker of desire was still there in his gaze, but it was buried under layers of calculation.

Y/N didn’t react the way he expected. Her lips curled into a wry smile, but her eyes stayed locked on his, steady, almost daring him to push further. “You don’t sound convinced,” she observed softly, her voice a careful blend of playfulness and something more—an understanding of the game they were both playing. It was a challenge, yes, but also a recognition of the unspoken truth between them.

Logan scoffed, his laugh a low, almost bitter sound. “I’m not,” he admitted, but his words weren’t filled with regret—they were loaded, deliberately dismissive. He wasn’t retreating; he was testing the waters, watching for a reaction. His gaze flicked away from her, then back to the desk in front of him, as if trying to avoid her unyielding gaze. “But it doesn’t change what just happened, does it?”

Y/N’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second—was it doubt? Or something softer?—but it was gone before it could fully surface. Her expression returned to its calm, controlled mask, as if the whole moment had been anticipated. “No,” she answered quietly, her voice steady, distant. “It doesn’t.”

Logan’s posture shifted as he leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair, a gesture that made him seem a little more disarmed than he’d intended. “Y/N... we can’t—” He started, but she cut him off, her tone decisive and calm, as though she had already moved past the tension he was still dwelling in.

“We don’t have to say anything,” she interrupted smoothly, the words hanging in the air between them like a challenge. “Not yet.”

The certainty in her voice gave him pause, something in her demeanor catching him off guard. She wasn’t flinching. She wasn’t retreating into regret. There was something about the way she held her ground that intrigued him—something that suggested she understood exactly what was happening and wasn’t going to let him dictate the narrative.

Logan studied her closely now, his arms crossed, his expression thoughtful but guarded. His gaze never wavered, though there was a flicker of something else there—something more complicated than simple curiosity. “You’re not exactly... conflicted about this, are you?” he asked, the words almost slipping out too easily, the hint of a challenge in his tone.

Y/N met his gaze head-on, her eyes sharp with unspoken challenge. “Not in the way you think,” she replied, her voice quiet but resolute. "I know the risks, Logan. I know exactly what this means." She leaned forward, just slightly, her posture relaxed but full of intent, a subtle power radiating from her. "But sometimes... the things we want the most come with the heaviest consequences."

Her words weren’t a warning, they were an invitation. She was offering him something, but it was still unclear whether she understood just how deep the game they were playing could go. 

"Maybe I'm willing to deal with those consequences," she added, her voice low, the challenge unmistakable. Her eyes stayed steady on his, unwavering. She was daring him to take the next step.

Logan’s breath hitched, his gaze flickering just briefly. He saw it then—the confidence, the control. It made him pause, just for a moment, before he masked it behind the careful composure he always maintained. But this wasn’t how he expected her to play this. He'd thought he’d be the one to make the move, to pull her in. Yet here she was, letting him know exactly what she was willing to risk.

“And what happens now?” His voice remained steady, but there was something in it now—something that betrayed the tension between them, an undercurrent of desire buried beneath the layers of control.

Y/N didn’t answer with words. She didn’t need to. She grabbed the front of his shirt, her fingers curling into the fabric with a boldness that surprised him—pulling him toward her without hesitation, without doubt.

A calculated move in this dance they were engaged in. Logan’s breath caught in his throat, a sharp intake as he felt the force of her pull, the heat of her body so close to his. This wasn’t what he planned—this wasn’t the distance he had wanted—but he wasn’t backing down now. Her boldness wasn’t a weakness; it was part of the game.

Their lips crashed together, urgent and raw, a kiss filled with all the unspoken tension that had been building between them. This wasn’t soft or teasing—it was the culmination of everything they’d avoided saying, everything they’d skirted around. The heat of it was overwhelming, and it swept away the logic, the control. This was about need.

Her fingers gripped his tie, pulling at it as though she wanted to tear down every barrier between them—every piece of control he’d set in place. She wanted him, but this wasn’t just about physical desire. It was about the power struggle between them, the unspoken understanding that they were playing with fire and knew it.

Logan’s hands moved to her hips, pulling her even closer, the urgency mirrored in his movements. His mind raced with the implications, but he couldn’t stop himself. She was pushing him, but he was in control. He always had been.

Her lips parted slightly, and he felt the shift in her kiss, felt the hunger in the way she responded. This wasn’t just an act of passion—it was a statement. A declaration that she was willing to go there, even if it meant everything else unraveled in the process. She wanted more, and now, Logan wanted to see just how far she was willing to go.

Breaking the kiss for a brief moment, Y/N’s voice came out shaky, but her words were sharp with need. “I don’t want to finish grading,” she breathed, the teasing edge in her tone now thick with desire. “Not when there’s something else I want more.”

Logan’s chest tightened, his grip on her waist instinctively tightening as he absorbed her words. The pulse of desire in her voice triggered something inside him, something he’d carefully cultivated, and without hesitation, his lips found hers once more. This kiss wasn’t tentative; it was frantic, hungry, and more driven than the one before, as if they were both racing toward a precipice neither had ever dared approach before.

Her fingers tugged at his tie, pulling it free and discarding it like the insignificant obstacle it was. The classroom, the grading, the rules—everything that had once stood between them shattered into nothing. There was only the burning need they couldn’t contain any longer. Logan’s hands roamed her body, pulling her closer, and with each touch, the world outside of that classroom faded further. There was no right or wrong anymore—only this.

Her breath was quick, her lips leaving his only to trail across his neck, her hands moving over his chest, exploring the heat of his body beneath the fabric. It was like a spark had ignited inside her, and she needed more of him—more than the stolen glances, the moments of tension.

Logan’s hands slid lower, finding the curve of her hips as he lifted her onto the desk, papers scattering in their wake. She felt the rush of blood in her veins, the heat of his touch, and the magnetic pull that had been drawing them together from the very start. The kiss deepened, more urgent now, as if their bodies were trying to communicate what their words hadn’t. Each movement, each shift, brought them closer to the inevitable.

Y/N moaned against his lips, her fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him in closer, as if she needed him to fill every space inside her. Every caress was an electric shock, a wave of heat that seemed to surge through her, leaving her breathless and craving more.

Logan’s hand slid under the hem of her skirt, his touch firm but gentle, as though testing her response. The shock of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she gasped, her pulse racing with the rush of adrenaline and need.

“Logan,” she whispered, pulling back just enough to speak, her voice ragged with desire. “I don’t care anymore… about the rules, about anything. I just want this.”

He didn’t need to answer with words. His mouth claimed hers again, slower this time, but with an intensity that suggested he was savoring the taste of her, the feel of her beneath his hands. He was in control, but it didn’t feel like control—it felt like something more dangerous, something they were both choosing to step into.

His hands slid under her blouse, his fingertips brushing over her skin, sending a rush of heat through her veins. She moaned softly against his lips, her body arching toward him, urging him on. She wanted more. She needed more.

Everything else, every rule, every boundary, seemed insignificant compared to the way they were consumed by each other. This moment—this connection—had been building for far too long, and now that they were here, there was no retreating, no second-guessing. Only the fire between them, only the pull that neither of them could resist any longer.

Logan’s lips trailed down her neck, leaving a trail of heat that made Y/N’s breath hitch. His rough hands moved to the hem of her blouse, his fingers brushing against her bare skin as he lifted the fabric slowly, deliberately. She shivered at the sensation, her own hands not idle—they slid along his chest, tracing the defined muscle beneath his skin, her touch both curious and confident.

"Do you always move this slow?" she teased, her voice breathless yet playful as her eyes met his.

Logan chuckled, his smirk equal parts charm and challenge. "You in a hurry, princess?" he murmured, his voice thick as honey.

Instead of answering, she took matters into her own hands, tugging at his belt with deft fingers. The clink of metal echoed in the room, sharp against the background of their heavy breathing. Logan growled low in his throat, the sound sending a thrill straight through her as he captured her lips again, more fervent this time, as if her boldness had spurred him on.

The blouse slipped from her shoulders, pooling on the floor alongside the papers and books that had already been scattered. Logan’s hands roamed her now-bare skin, his touch reverent despite the urgency building between them. His calloused palms brushed over her ribs, his thumbs tracing the edges of her bra before sliding beneath the straps and slowly tugging them down her arms.

Her own fingers worked quickly to rid him of his shirt, pushing it back until it joined her blouse on the floor. She took a moment to drink in the sight of him—broad shoulders, a chest covered in hair, and a strength that had always been hinted at but now stood fully revealed before her.

"You’ve been hiding this under those button-ups?" she asked, her voice low and teasing as her nails grazed his skin from his chest and down his abdomen.

Logan chuckled again, a rich, gravelly sound that sent a rush of warmth through her. 

His hands slid to the waistband of her skirt, his fingers dipping beneath the fabric as he pulled it down slowly, letting it fall to the floor. She stood before him now, clad in just her bra and panties, her confidence unshaken as his eyes roamed over her, lingering on every curve.

"You're beautiful," he muttered, almost to himself, as he reached out to trace the line of her hip.

Y/N smiled, stepping closer to him, her hands moving to the waistband of his trousers. "So are you," she whispered, her voice softer now, almost tender, as she undid the button and slid the zipper down.

The clothing between them quickly became an afterthought, discarded piece by piece until there was nothing left but bare skin and the electric tension that had built between them. Logan’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her flush against him, the heat of his body making her gasp softly.

Her hand slipped between their bodies, the heat of her palm pressing against him with an aching precision. She wrapped her fingers around his length, her touch firm and deliberate, eliciting a sharp intake of breath from him.

Logan’s eyes fluttered closed for a moment, the intensity of her touch forcing him to steady himself. He leaned into her, his forehead resting against hers as she began to move, her hand stroking him with a rhythm that was both torturously slow and utterly consuming.

A low growl rumbled deep in his chest, and his hands tightened on her hips, pulling her closer until there was nothing between them but the slick heat of skin against skin. “Y/N,” he murmured, his voice a strained rasp, thick with desire.

Her lips curved into a faint smile, though her breath came in short, quick bursts as her movements grew bolder. “You’re awfully quiet for someone who’s supposed to have all the control.”she whispered, her tone teasing yet tinged with her own need. 

He chuckled, a deep, gravelly sound that sent a shiver down her spine. “Don’t push me, darlin,” he warned, though the way his hips moved into her touch betrayed just how much power she held in that moment.

“Oh, I plan to,” she shot back, her voice playful, her fingers tracing deliberate paths that made his entire body tense beneath her touch.

Logan’s hands slid up her back, his fingertips digging into her skin with a restrained urgency. He caught her mouth in a searing kiss, swallowing her soft gasp as he shifted their positions, guiding her back against the desk. The wood was cool against her bare skin, but the heat radiating from him made it impossible to focus on anything else.

His lips left hers to trail down her jaw, then lower, nipping at the curve of her neck. “You think you’ve got me figured out, don’t you?” he murmured against her skin, his voice a low growl.

Y/N’s laughter was breathless, her hand never pausing in its steady rhythm. “I think you like it,” she countered, her tone light, though her body betrayed her own rising need.

Logan pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his smirk dangerous and full of promise. “I think you’re about to find out just how wrong you are.”

His hand moved with deliberate slowness, tracing the curve of her thigh with rough fingertips, the contrast against her softness making her tremble. He leaned in, his lips ghosting over hers as he whispered, “It’s only fair, don’t you think?”

Y/N barely had time to reply before his lips descended to her neck, leaving a trail of open-mouthed kisses that made her arch beneath him. His hand slid between her thighs, his touch light but purposeful as he explored her heat, teasing and testing her resolve.

A soft gasp escaped her lips, her head tilting back as his fingers moved with skill, parting her gently. Her breathing quickened, her body instinctively shifting closer to him, seeking more of his touch.

“You’re so sensitive,” Logan murmured against her collarbone, his voice a low growl filled with a mixture of admiration and intent. He pressed his thumb to her clit in a slow, deliberate circle, his movements calculated and unrelenting.

Y/N’s fingers tangled in his hair, her nails scraping lightly against his scalp as she struggled to form coherent thoughts. “Logan…” she breathed, her voice catching on his name, both a plea and a warning.

He smirked against her skin, the trace of something darker in his eyes as he planted soft, deliberate kisses along her neck. His lips brushed over her shoulder, sending a shiver through her, before he whispered in her ear, his voice thick with desire. “No, not Logan, darlin’.”

She froze for a second, the weight of his words hanging in the air between them. The tension crackled with unspoken authority. Logan’s breath was warm against her skin as he continued, his lips brushing the sensitive spot beneath her ear. “You know what I want you to call me.”

Her pulse quickened, a flicker of resistance sparking within her, but she couldn’t deny the way his voice, low and commanding, made her heart race. She met his gaze, the challenge still alive in her eyes. “Professor,” she whispered, the word feeling foreign yet somehow right on her tongue.

A low chuckle rumbled from him, and he pulled her closer, the grin on his face both triumphant and dangerous. “Good girl,” he murmured, his voice now a gravelly whisper that sent a fresh wave of heat crashing over her. “Just let me take care of you.”

Her body arched as he pressed deeper, his fingers finding a rhythm that had her gasping, her thighs trembling against his forearm. Logan watched her intently, his gaze dark and hungry, taking in every reaction as though it fueled him.

Her breaths came in ragged bursts, her head falling back against the desk as her body succumbed to the pleasure he built within her. Logan didn’t relent, his movements growing more insistent, his free hand gripping her hip to steady her as she began to fall apart beneath him.

“Look at me,” he murmured, his voice a rough command, and when her eyes fluttered open to meet his, the raw intensity in his gaze sent her spiraling.

Her release came like a tidal wave, her body tensing and then shuddering as a broken cry escaped her lips. Logan didn’t stop until the last tremor left her, his touch slowing but never fully leaving her, grounding her in the aftermath.

As her breathing steadied, Y/N met his gaze, her lips curling into a lazy smile. “Fuck Professor.”

“You’re dangerous,” he murmured, his lips brushing the corner of her mouth, his words a mix of accusation and surrender.

“And you’re stalling,” she replied, her tone daring as she tilted her head to meet his lips fully, capturing them in a kiss that was fierce and demanding.

Logan groaned against her mouth, his self-control shattering as his hands roamed over her body, claiming every inch he could reach. 

Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer, the heat between them building with every stolen touch. Logan’s lips left hers, trailing down the line of her neck, his stubble scraping her sensitive skin in a way that made her gasp.

“Y/N,” he rasped against her throat, his voice thick with desire and restraint, his hands tightening on her hips.

Her answer was to arch into him, her breath hitching as her body pressed against his. “No more talking,” she whispered, her voice firm but breathless, her fingers tugging him back to her.

The cool edge of the desk met her back, but the warmth of his body was all she could focus on as he leaned into her.

She could feel his hands roaming gently, tracing the contours of her body, but it was the way he moved—intentional, slow, and purposeful—that had her pulse quickening. His lips ghosted over her skin, just enough to leave her shivering in anticipation.

Logan’s hands were firm on her hips, his grip possessive as he pressed her back against the desk. His mouth was everywhere—her jaw, her throat, the dip of her collarbone—hot and unrelenting, like he was making up for all the time they’d spent pretending this wasn’t inevitable.

But Y/N wasn’t in the mood to just take whatever he gave her.

With a smirk, she pushed at his chest, catching him just off guard enough to make him step back. His brows furrowed in confusion, lips parted like he was about to argue, but she didn’t give him the chance. Instead, she grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and shoved him into his chair.

Logan let out a low, breathy chuckle, eyes dark and sharp as they flicked up to meet hers. “That so?” he murmured, his voice all gravel and challenge.

Y/N just smiled, swinging a leg over his lap and settling onto him like she belonged there. Like she was claiming him the way he always tried to claim her.

Logan’s hands immediately found her thighs, sliding up with slow, dangerous intent. His gaze was locked onto hers, heavy-lidded and unreadable, but his fingers dug into her skin like he was daring her to keep going.

And she was going to.

She rolled her hips against him just enough to feel the sharp hitch of his breath, the way his fingers tightened in response. He groaned low in his throat, his control cracking, his grip guiding her just a little rougher, a little more desperate—

Knock.

They both froze.

A heartbeat. Then another.

Knock.

“Professor Howlett?”

Y/N stiffened. Logan’s jaw locked, his grip on her waist iron tight as if he was physically restraining himself from losing his goddamn mind.

The voice was muffled through the door, but the words were clear. “I just had a question about the midterm—are you in there?”

Silence.

Y/N barely breathed, her body still pressed against his, her heart pounding so hard she swore Logan could feel it.

His hands didn’t move. His eyes didn’t move. He was staring at her, exhaling slow and steady through his nose, and fuck, he looked like he was about to ruin something.

Instead, he leaned in, his lips barely brushing against her ear as he muttered, voice thick with frustration, “This isn’t over.”

Y/N smirked, her lips ghosting over his jaw as she whispered, "I wouldn’t dream of it."

Logan exhaled sharply, a low, frustrated sound rumbling in his chest. His hands flexed against her thighs like he was this close to dragging her right back down, to make sure she regretted every ounce of that teasing bravado. 

And with painful reluctance, he lifted her off his lap.

The second her feet hit the floor, she felt the loss of him—the heat, the weight, the way he’d held onto her like he wasn’t ready to let go.

She met his gaze one last time, taking in the way his jaw was tight, the way his knuckles were white against the arms of his chair.

And she already knew—when this moment finally came back around?

It was going to be worse.

© th3mrskory 2025 — all rights reserved.

[exeggcute]

this isn't the first time we've seen evidence that the current climate of anti-trans panic in the US has largely been manufactured by (or at the very least, stoked by) a small number of conservative interest groups, but the leaked materials from this group do make it pretty clear that trans people are being used a wedge issue to increase republican turnout:

In a member briefing video, one of Ziklag’s spiritual advisers outlined a plan to “deliver swing states” by using an anti-transgender message to motivate conservative voters who are exhausted with Trump.

although it does seem like they believe their own rhetoric and aren't "just" willing to turn trans people into collateral damange:

Other internal Ziklag documents voice strong opposition to same-sex marriage and transgender rights. One reads: “transgender acceptance = Final sign before imminent collapse.”

and somehow this is only the tip of the iceberg here:

a charity funded by mega-wealthy christian donors who think that secular mega-wealthy donors are more generous than christians (much to unpack there lol) and want to close that gap

the fact that it's set up a tax-exempt 5013c org but 100% operating as a PAC, which according to a little group called the IRS is super duper illegal

general christian nationalist shit, including a belief that “the biblical role of government is to promote good and punish evil” and that “the word of god and prayer play a significant role in policy decisions"

using a tool called eagleAI that "claim[s] to use artificial intelligence to automate and speed up the process of challenging ineligible voters" in a bid to kick 100k+ voters off the rolls in swing states

a seven-pronged plan that extends into non-political avenues like the entertainment industry, like a goal to make 80% of movies produced either have a G or PG rating and offer a tidy moral

the hobby lobby family is here because of course they are

[axolterp]

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