Chapter Ninety-Six

Valerie couldn’t believe what she saw. Dean sat in her desk chair, which wasn’t all that unusual, but sitting on the front corner of her desk was Jared Dalton, another of her students.

After a brief pause, which she prayed didn’t make her look like an idiot, Valerie continued to her desk. “Please get out of my chair, Dean. Good morning, Jared. Students usually wait in the outer office if they have an appointment with me. Although, I don’t recall you asking to see me today.” She did her best to ignore Dean, who still had not left her chair.

“Oh, he’s here with me.” He pointed to her neck, one brow cocked. “Nice piece of jewelry. Don’t think I’ve seen you wear it before.”

She ran a finger over her choker, remembering the moment Damien had clasped it around her neck. “It was given to me this weekend.” She stood straighter, dropping her arm as she took a deep breath. “Now, why are the two of you here?”

Dean nodded as he stretched his legs out, crossing his ankles, rather than getting out