Chapter 19
“I assure you, my relationship with Ethan is over. I’m only interested in my job as Matt’s tutor. I thrive on professionalism, and I promise to remain ethically loyal,” I told him, well aware that I was rambling, but I couldn’t help myself. He intimidated me.
He stared at me for a heartbeat, making me even more nervous.
“Rest assured, no lines will ever be crossed,” I added.
“And what about me?” he asked. He didn’t sound condescending, but more curious, his gaze soft and almost boyish. My heart skipped a beat, and I felt my cheeks heating.
“No lines will ever be crossed with you, either,” I promised him sincerely.
Gavin was silent for a moment as he assessed me. Then, he gave me a short nod.
“I hope you remember to honor that,” he said, almost daring me.
I was about to reply, but the waitress returned with our wine.
Gavin quickly shifted the subject to my schedule, and we agreed on a time that worked for both of us. Then, he took out the contract and placed it on the table. He explained that the contract was just a formality regarding employment and salary.
“It also states that you aren’t to tell anyone who you work for,” he continued. “It’s for safety—yours and mine. I make all my staff agree to the same terms.”
I nodded. It made sense, so I didn’t argue.
He handed me a pen. After looking over the contract, I filled in my basic information and signed each line he pointed to.
Soon after, the waitress returned with our food.
“This looks delicious,” I said, taking my first bite of the savory salad.
Gavin had ordered a rare steak with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies. We both ate in silence, gradually sipping on our wine. When I was almost done, I could feel the wine had gone right through me.
“I need to use the restroom,” I told him as I slid out of the booth. “I’ll be back.”
He nodded, and I made my way toward the bathroom. As I passed by a stunning woman with auburn hair and dazzling green eyes, she brushed her shoulder against mine. I paused briefly, wondering if she did it on purpose. She didn’t even apologize.
I shook off the thought and quickly continued on my way. When I returned, I noticed Gavin was now standing with his arms folded across his chest. He was speaking to the woman who had bumped into me earlier. She looked upset, and as I approached, I could clearly hear her words.
“So, this is why you haven’t called me back? Because you’ve been with another hussy??”
“That’s enough, Daisy,” he said, his voice low and threatening.
“Just answer the question, Gavin. Are you seeing her?” Daisy asked, hurt evident in her tone.
Gavin’s eyes flickered to me, sensing my presence. Without answering her, he walked over to me. My eyes widened as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close.
I was immediately entranced by his scent and warmth. Electricity flared across my skin from his touch, his face buried in the nape of my neck. Daisy’s eyes followed him, and she looked utterly furious.
“And if I am?” Gavin asked, his breath against my cheek, making my heart race wildly.
“You’ll soon tire of her,” Daisy sneered, folding her arms across her chest. “You always do, and then you come crawling back to me.”
“How long do you plan on being the third wheel on our date?” Gavin asked. My breath hitched at his words.
Daisy scowled.
“This isn’t over,” she muttered, casting me a nasty look before storming off.
As soon as she was out of sight, Gavin released me. My legs nearly buckled beneath me. I could hardly speak as Gavin casually returned to the table and resumed eating, as if nothing had happened.
“W…what was that?” I stammered, breathless, hating how weak I sounded.
Gavin glanced at me and shrugged one shoulder.
“That was Daisy,” he murmured. “She’s a noble Lycan and my late wife’s sister.” I was stunned by his remark.
“Oh,” I managed to say.
“My mother has been wanting to pair us together as a second chance for me,” he continued. “I didn’t want to reject her too bluntly. I’m sorry for using you like that.”
My cheeks were still burning, and I was sure he noticed, but he didn’t comment. I nodded and said nothing more.
We finished our meals, and Gavin paid. He had the driver take us back to my house. I thanked him for the meal and the job before getting out of the car and walking to the door. The car remained parked until I was inside, then I heard it drive off.
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
But the relief was short-lived. I could hear my mother talking to someone in the living room. The minute I reached the entryway, my body froze when I saw who was sitting on the couch, chatting with my mother.
