Page 85 of Depraved

I consider him more seriously. “What do you want to do with your time when I return to my studies? I don’t want you to get bored.”

He lifts our intertwined hands and kisses my knuckles. “I could never get bored when I’m with you,” he says earnestly. “But I’ve been thinking I might teach piano lessons. I need to keep my skills sharp so I can play for my favorite ballerina.”

I beam at him. “I’m your only ballerina. And I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

The prospect of a musical career is so wholesome in comparison to his assassin past. It would be almost comical if I weren’t so relieved that he’s decided to pursue his passion again rather than enduring further pain.

I never want him to feel like he’s evil ever again.

“Lena?”

I whirl at the familiar voice. Amala is exiting the gates from King’s Manor, and she eyes me cautiously.

Her gaze flicks to my hand where it’s captured in Brandon’s.

“Professor Hirst,” she says, tense. “I wasn’t sure if you were still teaching.”

“I’m not,” he replies smoothly. “But Lena will be returning to class on Monday.”

His fake English accent is back. I have to smother a laugh. It’s not very convincing now that I know the truth.

“Where have you been?” Amala asks me. “I’ve been worried. You didn’t meet me at Brownie Bakehouse, and then you didn’t answer any of my texts. I haven’t seen you in months.”

My heart squeezes. I never meant to cause her distress.

“I’m sorry,” I apologize. “Someone stole my phone that day, and I lost your number. Then I got really sick, and I had to take time away from school. But I’m all better now.”

She glances at Brandon again. “That’s a relief. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“I never got a chance to explain myself,” I say quickly. “I should’ve told you sooner, but Rand and I know each other from before our MA started. I knew I shouldn’t be with my professor, so I tried to stay away.” I look up at him with open devotion. “But I love him. I can’t live without him, and I don’t want to hide our relationship.”

She considers us for a long moment, then finally asks Brandon, “So, you’re not our professor anymore?”

“No,” he confirms. “I didn’t want to cause more issues for Lena at the university. She deserves to finish her course.”

The tension eases from her face, and she offers me a genuine smile. “It’ll be good to have my study buddy back. I’m glad you’re feeling better. You look happy.”

“I am,” I assure her. “I’m up for a study session anytime. I have a lot of catching up to do.”

“That sounds great. Do you need my number again?”

“Yes, please.” I pull out my new phone, and she enters her contact details.

“Can we meet for cheesecake sometime?” I ask hopefully. “We never did get to compare our TBRs.”

She grins. “That would be great. How about after class on Monday?”

“I’d love that.”

She checks the time on her phone. “I need to get to a meeting with my supervisor. On Monday, I’ll bring my e-reader to class, and we can head straight to the dessert bar for the afternoon. I’ll see you then?”

“Perfect,” I confirm. “Can’t wait.”

For the first time in years, I have a real friend.

I can hardly believe this is my life. I’m pursuing my academic goals, I’m forming a social network, and I have the love of my life at my side.

It’s surreal and wonderful.