Page 26 of Forbidden Lessons

With a nervous glance at the gathered crowd of curious students, Travis sniffed and stalked away, the picture of resentful resignation.

“Congratulations on your achievements, Mr. Bennett,” the dean said. “You represent Blue Ridge College well.”

Alex managed a grateful smile, still coming down from the tense moment.

Dean Simmons gave Julian a curt nod of acknowledgment. “Professor Everett.” He turned with a flourish, his gown billowing behind him as he followed Travis.

As the dean disappeared into the crowd, Alex’s shoulders slumped, and the tension drained away. Acting on impulse, he grabbed Julian’s lapels and pulled him into an embrace. Julian’s cedarwood scent filled the air as Alex’s fingers grasped the scratchy fabric of his robe, eliminating any space between them.

Julian startled before his body relaxed and wrapped him in his arms. Alex drew back to find wide-eyed longing shining in Julian’s eyes. His hands quivered as they cradled Alex’s face.

The cheers and whistles of the crowd faded away as Alex leaned forward, his lips meeting Julian’s in a moment of pure joy. In this suspended moment, all that existed was the scratch of Julian’s stubble, the warmth of his mouth yielding against Alex’s, and the hands threading gently through his hair.

“That was… pleasantly unexpected,” Julian said when they finally pulled away.

“Get a room, you two,” Ethan said, shaking his head and waving goodbye.

“What can I say?” Alex asked. “I’m a sucker for a man in uniform.” Stepping back, he admired his boyfriend. Even in his academic regalia, including a hat in the shape of a mushroom, all Alex wanted to do was tear off those pillowy sleeves that concealed his boyfriend’s broad shoulders. “Of course, I always thought it’d be a firefighter or a military man. Not the next headmaster of an elite wizarding school.”

“Seriously, Alex?” Julian arched an eyebrow.

“What? It’s a literary reference! I’m trying.”

“I hope you’re ready for all this.” Julian grabbed Alex’s hand. “We’re an out and proud official couple now.”

“Subtlety was never one of my strengths.”

“I love you, Alex,” he said.

“I love you too.” He leaned in for another kiss, enjoying the freedom of expression without worry or fear of discovery. He had succeeded, despite the odds. Now there were no more barriers—he and Julian could finally be together openly, honestly.

A mix of emotions passed through him: excitement for what was to come, mixed with a slight trepidation. Could their relationship stand up to public scrutiny? Would the same connection be there when everyone knew they were together?

One glance at Julian shattered those doubts. It was time for a new beginning—one where Alex could embrace honesty and truth without living in the shadows. Comfortable ease mellowed his adrenaline rush, and somehow, he knew, without a doubt, their love had withstood a lot already. They would be okay.

“You know, babe.” Alex squeezed his ex-professor’s hand. “We still have one more obstacle to face today.”

“Another one?” Julian’s face dropped. “What now?”

Alex flashed a crooked smile. “It’s time to meet my parents.”

Chapter 12

Fromhisstandingdesk,Alex tapped away on his laptop keyboard, noise-canceling headphones muting the outside world. His attention flitted across the screen, scrutinizing the code. Fingers flying across the keys, Alex lost himself in the challenge of perfecting the imperfect prototype.

Satisfied, for now, with his progress, Alex tugged off his headphones and rested them over his neck. He took a celebratory gulp of his energy drink, the fizziness pleasantly carbonating his tongue.

The faint songs of evening birds trickled in through the open window, mingling with the familiar hum of the laptop fan. Alex closed his eyes, allowing the cool, damp evening air to caress his skin. A gentle breeze ruffled the notes littering his desk. Slowly rolling his head from side to side, he worked out the tension that had built up in his cramped muscles.

“You’ll strain your eyes staring at that screen all night,” Julian said, his voice husky with affection. He leaned against the doorway, muscular arms crossed over a tight black T-shirt. He’d tied an apron around his trim waist and slung a dish towel over one shoulder.

Alex took a moment to appreciate his boyfriend’s fit frame. “Something sure smells good.”

“Don’t get too excited. We’re having stir-fry.” Julian moved to massage the muscles around Alex’s shoulders.

Alex leaned into Julian’s firm hands, inhaling sharply as Julian located a stubborn knot. The scent of peanut sauce wafted from the kitchen, making Alex’s stomach rumble.

“How’s the prototype coming along?” Julian asked.

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