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“It’s going to be fine, love,” I said. “You can stay with me.”
Elle nodded, looking a little less shaky than she did when I first arrived. I brushed a lock of hair away from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear.
“Let me see what I can do to fix this.”
“Don’t,” she said. “If you get involved—”
“Dean Wilcox shouldn’t have allowed this to happen in the first place,” I pointed out. “A student is being manipulated under his watch. It’s not right. I’ll put a stop to it, I promise.”
Elle fiddled with her sleeves. A small, tentative spark of hope came into her eyes.
“Do you really think that will work?”
“It’s worth a shot.”
She inhaled a trembling breath and managed a weak smile. My heart ached for her. She was trying to put on a brave face. Fighting for a future that she’d barely tasted before it had been stripped away.
“Your sister flirted with me,” I said in a flat voice.
Elle wrinkled her nose.
“Yes, I know.”
Taking her hand, I kissed her knuckles.
“I’m heading home to take the hottest shower bearable, and scrub every inch of my skin. Care to join me?”
Elle beamed.
“I’d love to.”
My breath caught in my throat as I gazed down at her. A surge of protectiveness washed over me. How could anyone bear to break this woman’s heart? I hooked a finger under her chin, wishing I could rip into her father the way I wanted to for making her upset.
It was risky to be standing here together, out in the open. Even though the courtyard was tucked away among the trees, a student could walk by at any moment and see us.
Just one kiss, I thought. Make it quick.
I dipped my head and kissed her, warm and firm. Elle sighed and slid her arms around my neck. I tugged her tight against me, hoping she got the message that no matter what happened, this would never change.
After some food and a shower, Elle looked more stable, although I could still see the worry that lingered in her eyes. Everything had been turned upside down for her in the blink of an eye. She knew something was coming, but I don’t think she had any idea her father would pull the rug out from under her like this.
I found Elle in the living room, borrowing my laptop to research scholarships, grants, and job listings.
“Did you hear anything about your application at the library?” I asked, settling on the couch beside her.
Elle chewed her lower lip, her gaze locked on the computer screen. She shook her head.
“Not yet. I need to find something that pays better though.”
I curved my hand around the nape of her neck, threading my fingers up into her hair as I scratched lightly at her scalp. She hummed and closed her eyes, leaning into me. I couldn’t believe how resilient she was. Despite how rattled she looked this morning, she’d already rallied, searching for solutions. Her father had knocked her down, but she was fighting to get back on her feet.
Before I could tell her just how proud I was of her, a knock came at my front door.
I kissed Elle’s temple.
“Stay here. I’ll get that.”
When I answered the door, I was greeted by Dean Wilcox with his mouth set in a disapproving line. My grip on the door handle tightened until I was sure it would break off in my grip. A personal visit from the Dean to my private home. That meant nothing good.
