Page 31 of Hot Professor (Tainted Professors)

“Dean Martens,”I start, but he raises his hand, stopping me cold.

His face is a storm cloud, all dark and swirling with the fury that causes deadly lightning strikes.

“You do realize your job is effectively on the line now.”It's not a question but a statement said in a quiet, controlled voice.

“I've done nothing wrong.”I know it doesn't look good, but I didn't technically break any policy.

“As her professor, you're in a position of authority over Ms. Kendrick, Professor Ashe. A man who has…”I watch him struggle to choose his words. “You've had inappropriate relations with one of your students. You are responsible forher grades. As the adult, you are the one who should exercise restraint here, and clearly you have none, considering this isn't the first time. I warned you, Harrison. We have policies in place for this reason.”He sticks his nose in the air defiantly. “It would be best if you resigned immediately.”

“But—” Ivy tries to intervene, but I cut her off.

“No.”I stand there, unmoved, my feet rooted, my stance firm. Ivy is right beside me, close enough that I can feel the tremor in her body. She wiggles her fingers slightly, enough to reach out and brush against mine. My heart thuds in my chest, but I feel like a strong wind could blow her over. “With all due respect, sir, I won't be doing that.”I keep my voice as smooth as silk. “If you want to sever professional ties with me, then you'll have to do ityourselfand terminate me.”For Ivy, this must be like watching a high-stakes poker game, and I've gone all in without batting an eyelash. I would gladly give up my job for her, but there's no reason for that to happen. Unless I'm pushed to take drastic measures.

The dean's knuckles whiten around the edge of the desk like he's trying to hold onto his last shred of control.

“Think about what you're saying, Harrison,”he almost hisses through gritted teeth. “You've submitted your tenure dossier. It's being reviewed as we speak. You were already on shaky ground. Your career?—”

“Is not defined by my past or present acts or this institution alone,”I interject, lowering my voice. “I know my worth, I did nothing wrong, and I know where my heart lies. That's all I need to consider.”

From the corner of my eye, I see Ivy ping-ponging between me and my boss, as the air around her crackles with tension and unspoken threats. I will put everything on the line for Ivy if forced to.

“The audacity...”The dean's voice trails off, and I swear I see something close to respect flash across his face, even as his thin lips curl in disdain. Then he turns to Ivy. “Is this why you planned to leave? Did he take advantage of you? Force you to…”

I twist around to look at her. “He knew?”

“No!” She ignores me. “He didn’t force me into anything. It was me who pursued him. I made the decision to have sex with him.”

Ivy urns to me, cringing slightly, her nod shaky. “I came to see Dean Martens yesterday. I don’t want you to lose your job because of me, Harrison. But I didn’t want to stay knowing how I felt about you. I thought it best if I go back home and stay there, go to a state school or community college.”

I draw back, surprised. But I shouldn't be. Ivy is mature beyond her years. That she would walk away from the school of her dreams… for me… tells me more about her than I ever knew. It also confirms what my gut’s been telling me. She's the right choice.

“My resolve.”I correct the dean's previous accusation, and now we're rewriting the script of our own story, one in which the hero doesn't back down and is about to win the heroine's heart.

“We also have a policy on disclosure of romantic relationships,”I continue. “Well, we are officially disclosing it right now. Dean Martens, I am here today to formally advise you that I plan to enter into a romantic relationship with Ivy Kendrick. Because of our relationship and the policy the school has about such relationships, I think it's probably best if she were transferred to another class so there's no perceived academic impropriety. And I can assure you, there hasn't been. Ms. Kendrick is a bright, intelligent, creative woman and student, and every grade she's received she has earned through her hard work. And if necessary, I can provide proof that I havenot been the one marking her assignments or tests. I've had one of my colleagues do that since the start of the term.”

This time, it's Ivy's turn to be surprised. “What?”

“What?”the dean asks at the same time.

I take Ivy's hand and squeeze lightly, hopefully letting her know everything will be okay, but I keep my attention on the dean. “Professor Richardson has been kind enough to mark Ivy's work on my behalf, with no interference or influence from me. Since day one of the term.”

Dad always taught me to trust my gut. And from day one, I knew it could come to this from the moment I looked at her. I made sure that if it did, Dean Martens and the rest of the board wouldn't be able to accuse me of any bias toward her. No coercing on my part, though they’ll need to take Ivy’s word for that.

Releasing her hand, I snake my arm around her waist and tug her against my side. Then I drop my head and kiss her right there in front of my boss. I plant my lips on hers, tasting her like she's already mine forever. Ivy returns the kiss, pressing her mouth to mine with a passion that enflames the never dying embers and makes me wish fervently for privacy so I can show her how much she means to me.

“Harrison.” Her voice low and sultry, and in an instant, I’m hard.

I break the connection and return my attention to the man who holds my future employment in his hands. “If you want me to leave this school, you'll need to write me a letter. The best damn reference any institution has ever seen, after you oversee the successful review of my tenure package of course. Oh, and I’m sure my father will withdraw his annual donation, if necessary.”

It's a hollow threat because I'm confident that I have fulfilled all the necessary criteria for tenure. There is absolutely nolegitimate reason for it to be denied. But at the end of the day, if they decide to decline my application, I don't need this salary. It's never been about money. I love to teach.

The dean's face is a study in control slipping away as he stands and walks to the office door. “Fine,”he grits out, the word clipped like a bullet.” But you must cease this... exhibitionism. Keep your relationship with Ms. Kendrick discreet. Please.”

I bite back a smirk, tasting victory.

“Discreet,”I echo. “We can certainly try.”The promise underlines an unintended challenge. I'm not convinced the term discreet will enter my relationship with Ivy—not once we iron out all the little details—like where she'll live and whose bed she'll spend the rest of her life in.

“Then it's settled.”The dean's voice is flat, resignation laced with the bitterness of defeat. As he turns on his heel, I can't help but feel like we've jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge and discovered we can fly.

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