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The dean leaned forward and clasped his hands together, staring me in the eyes.
“We take accusations of student and faculty fraternization very seriously. An investigation will be done to find out the truth.”
All I could do was shake my head. “Nothing happened. This is all a big misunderstanding.” I was a broken record at this point. “This is all a big mistake,” I whispered, on the verge of crying. But I didn’t want to. I needed to be strong, needed to appear like I had my shit together and not break down in front of Lucian.
“It’s okay, Grace,” Lucian said softly.
And then before I knew what was happening, Lucian wrapped his arm around my shoulder and brought me in close. He took his other hand and gently grabbed my chin with his thumb and forefinger, turning my head so I was facing him now.
He stared into my eyes, and everything else around me faded, vanished. We might’ve been able to salvage this, denied everything, but when he leaned in and kissed me right then and there in front of everyone, there was no denying it.
He pulled back before I could stop him and smiled. “It doesn’t matter,” he said softly. “Only you do.” He turned and faced the board. “I love her, and I’m fully aware of the repercussions our relationship will bring.” And then he stood up and took my hand in his and led us out of the office.
I looked over my shoulder at the board, their eyes wide and their mouths open in shock. I had no idea what was going to happen from this point forward, but Lucian seemed confident of the future, of our relationship.
And that made me feel like everything would be okay.
* * *
Professor Goode
She wasupset and I hated it, hated that I was the reason she was in this situation, that she felt hopeless, sad for me.
I wrapped my arms around Grace and pulled her in close. It had only been a couple of weeks since I’d been in front of the board for my “misconduct,” as they’d called it.
And although maybe I could have gotten out of it, used my years of teaching there and my reputation, my good standing, to get out of Ashley telling them about Grace and me, the truth was, I didn’t want to lie about it.
So I’d kissed her.
I’d wanted to prove the point that she was mine. I’d wanted her from the moment I saw her, and losing my position was a small sacrifice to pay to be with her.
I ran my hand up and down her back, whispering that everything was fine, that I would be fine. She was upset because of me, because of the circumstances. And I wanted to take that pain away.
I pulled back but kept her close, smiling and shaking my head, telling her without words in that moment that everything was perfect.
“But it’s your job, what you worked hard to accomplish.”
I didn’t feel anything in that moment but my love for her. “It’s just a job.” I wiped the stray tear that rolled down her cheek.
“I’m sorry for breaking down like this. It’s just a little unbelievable. We are both consenting adults.”
I leaned down and kissed her forehead, just closing my eyes and reveling in the fact she was here with me. “I knew the rules, Grace, and I didn’t fucking care about them. I knew from the moment I saw you walk into my class that this would be the outcome.” I pulled back and looked her in the eyes again.
“How did you know?” she whispered.
“Because I wasn’t going to let you go. I’d do anything, lose everything to be with you, Grace. Don’t you see that? Don’t you see that I’m so in love you?”
She smiled, and I saw that sadness vanish as her feelings for me rose up. “I love you too.” She wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her head on my chest. “Will you be able to find another job? Or is this something that will follow you?” She said those words softly, and I didn’t answer for a moment, just held her, felt her warmth slip into me, let her scent envelop me.
“I don’t need a job, Grace. I have enough money to last me five lifetimes.” She pulled back and looked up at me.
“Your uncle’s business?”
“My business.” I kept my arms wrapped around her, refusing to let her go. I needed her close. “It all became mine after he passed away. I went to school and became a professor because I wanted that connection with my father. And I’ve had it. I did it. And maybe in the future I’ll teach again. But that’s not my main concern, not what I’m focused on.” I heard her breath catch. “I have you, and that’s all I care about.”
I’d say that over and over again.
I leaned down and kissed her, and she grew soft and pliant against me. If I never taught again, I’d be content because I’d have Grace.
