The Professor's Mate Clause novel Chapter 38

CHAPTER 38

FREYA’S POV

“Get dressed. Something nice. We are going out.”

I look up from my phone to find Adrian standing in the doorway. He is wearing dark slacks and a button up shirt that fits him way too well.

“Out? Like outside?” I sit up from the couch. “Is that safe?”

“I am taking you to dinner. A proper date.” He checks his watch. “You have thirty minutes.”

“I do not have anything nice to wear. All my clothes are…”

“Check the closet in your room. I had things sent over.” He says it so casually. Like buying me an entire wardrobe is normal. “Thirty minutes Freya. Do not make me come get you.”

He walks away before I can argue.

I head upstairs and open the closet. My jaw actually drops. Dresses. So many dresses. All in my size.

Shoes lined up underneath. Everything I could possibly need.

I pull out a simple black dress. Long sleeves. Hits just above my knees. I shower quickly and do my makeup. Nothing dramatic. Just enough.

When I come back downstairs Adrian is waiting by the elevator. His eyes scan every inch of me.

“You look beautiful.” His voice is rough. “Perfect.”

“So where are we going?”

“You will see.” He takes my hand. “I reserved the whole restaurant. Just us.”

“You reserved the whole restaurant? Adrian that is insane.”

“I want to spoil you. Let me.” The elevator opens. “Please.”

The restaurant is small and intimate. Completely empty except for staff. Candles everywhere. Soft music

playing.

Adrian pulls out my chair. Orders for both of us without looking at the menu. The waiter disappears quickly.

“You did not ask what I wanted.” I pick up my wine glass.

“Do you trust me?” His eyes hold mine.

“That is a loaded question.”

“Do you trust me to order food you will enjoy?”

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“Fine. I trust you.” I take a sip. The wine is incredible. “But next time let me look at the menu first.”

“Deal.” He leans back. Always watching me. “You look nervous.”

“I am nervous. This is our first real date. No fake arrangements. No running from threats.” I set down my glass. “What if we do not work outside of all the drama?”

“We will work.” He says it with such certainty. “I want to know everything about you Freya. Not just the big things. The small things too.”

The first course arrives. Something with scallops that looks like art on a plate.

I take a bite. Oh my god. It is incredible.

“Can I ask you something?” I watch him across the table.

“Anything.”

“What are we telling people? About us?” I lean forward. “You are still my professor. I am still your student. That is not exactly allowed.”

His jaw tightens. “I submitted paperwork yesterday. You are officially withdrawn from my class.

Transferred to Professor Chen for the rest of the semester.”

“You did what?” My voice comes out sharp. “You cannot just change my classes without asking me.”

“I can and I did. A professor dating his student is against university policy.” He takes my hand. “This way no one can say our relationship is inappropriate.”

“What about all my work? My assignments?”

“Professor Chen will honor everything. Your GPA will not be affected.” His thumb traces circles on my palm. “I am protecting both of us.”

I should be mad. But he is right. This way we are protected.

“What about my other classes? Am I supposed to pretend everything is normal?”

“You are taking a leave of absence. Medical reasons. The university approved it this morning.” He squeezes my hand. “You can return next semester. Or take online classes. Whatever you prefer.”

“You have this all figured out.”

“I will not let your education suffer because of me.” His voice gets serious. “You deserve to finish your degree. Live your life. I am just making sure you can do that safely.”

The courses keep coming. Each one better than the last. We talk about everything. My childhood in foster care. My dreams of being a teacher someday. His family long dead. How lonely it is being an Alpha sometimes.

By dessert I am full and happy and more relaxed than I have been in weeks.

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“Thank you for this.” I lean back. “For making me feel normal for a few hours.”

“You can still have nice things. Normal things. A life.” He signals for the check. “Being with me does not mean giving up everything.”

The drive back is quiet. Comfortable. His hand stays on my thigh the whole time.

Back at the penthouse I kick off my heels immediately. My feet are killing me.

“That was the best date I have ever been on.” I sink onto the couch. “Kelvin never did anything like that.”

“Kelvin was an idiot.” Adrian sits next to me. Pulls my feet into his lap and starts massaging them without being asked. “I plan to spend the rest of my life making up for every disappointment he caused.”

“That is a long list.”

“I have time.” His hands work magic on my sore feet. “We have all the time in the world.”

I watch him. This powerful Alpha massaging my feet like it is the most natural thing.

“Adrian?”

“Hmm?”

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