Page 198 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 1
"It's a scandal, Penny. Other universities may not see your grades as valid."
That's what Melissa had said. Melissa had warned me about what would happen. But I hadn't listened. And if I had the choice, I wouldn't listen again. I loved Professor Hunter. I was happier than I had ever been.
"James," I said and leaned back so I could look up at him. "If I could go back, I'd do it all over again. Even if I knew I'd be expelled. You make me so happy. I want to be with you. That's all that matters. If anything, I should be apologizing to you. You told me to forget about you. On multiple occasions. I didn't listen..."
"Stop, Penny. I couldn't leave you alone either. And I didn't want you to leave me alone. I never meant it. I can't even imagine not being with you."
"So we'll face it together."
"Mhm." He looked down at me and smiled. "I'm not used to having a partner in crime."
"Well get used to it. You're getting me kicked out of school, so you should probably stick with me for a while. It's the right thing to do."
He laughed and looked down at me. "You should probably call your parents." I must have made a face, because he added, "I'm sorry, Penny."
"I think I'm dreading that discussion more than talking to the dean."
"I'm sorry."
"Please stop apologizing. James." I put my hands on the sides of his face. "I love you. That's all that matters."
He smiled down at me. "I love you too."
"So will you please come to bed now?"
"Mhm." He leaned down and kissed me.
Addiction - Chapter 20
Wednesday
The alarm woke us up at 6 a.m. We had a meeting with the dean in an hour. And I had a terrible sinking feeling in my stomach. I had tried to be the positive one last night. But now I needed to call my parents. And I was terrified. I needed to do it before they saw the paper, though. I didn't know what the article said, but James had made it seem like we were screwed.
James turned off the alarm and rolled over to face me. He eyed me curiously. "You're still here."
I didn't know what he was expecting. Maybe he thought I was going to abandon him. "Of course I'm still here." I propped my head up on my hand. "I need you to promise me something," I said.
"Name it."
"No matter what happens, please don't resent me."
"Penny..."
"Promise me."
"I don't resent you. Please don't think that I'm mad at you about any of this. This is everything I ever wanted. Actually, it is tempting to just run away with you. For you, I'd leave it all. I need you to know that."
I do know.I wasn't sure if he wanted me to say the same thing back. I needed to finish school. I needed to think about my future. But he was laying there telling me that I was his future. I wanted him to be mine. "I'd leave it all for you too. But I'd be uneducated."
He laughed. "You're very intelligent. A diploma doesn't change that."
"I forgot that you just want me to be a housewife anyway."
He smiled and ran his fingers through my hair. "Well today can't go all that poorly because you just told me you want to be my wife. I'm certainly in a good mood."
"I..." I was suddenly embarrassed. I hadn't meant it in any way. We had talked about our future but we had never actually discussed getting married.
"Don't be flustered." He put his hand on my cheek. "I'm 27 years old. You're the love of my life. I know you feel the same way. You risked everything to be with me. So you must realize that I have every intention of marrying you, Penny Taylor."
