Page 5 of Class Studies
“If you’ll have me and all my fears and insecurities.”
Ashe snorted.
“You’re a package deal, though,” I said, seeing the Greek God’s scowling face in my memory.
Unlike my simple connection with the professor, his lover, Saffron and I could fill pages with unnecessary drama.
“Saffron’s not joining our harem,” Ashe growled, stepping toward the professor. “And neither should the Leach.”
Professor Garnet shot out of his seat, confidently stepping toward Ashe. “Every PeaceCock who abused their power was a Natty. You know that, right?”
“Natty is a Natural Mage,” Ashe filled in, flicking his gaze to me.
“A Leach is a derogatory slang for Stolen Mages.” Professor Garnet glared at Ashe. “Like the name they assigned our magic wasn’t already bad enough.”
I stepped between them and put a hand on each of their chests. “Ashe, what makes you think you're even in it?”
Ashe grinned. “I might not be in your bed, but do you see anyone else fucking snoozing in your tower every night?”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Officer Keres ordered you to do that.”
Ashe threw up his hands. “You control Officer Keres, yet, I’ve not left your side in two days, Kitten.” His voice dropped into a low purr.
My mouth fell open, and I shut it with a click.
Professor Garnet chuckled. The deep sound vibrated my hand on his chest. Heat flooded my cheeks, and I pulled away from him.
“This is a lot all at once.” Professor Garnet stepped back. “Forget I brought it up.” He brushed the crystal necklace he’d given me, allowing us to talk over long distances. “We’ll chat again. In private, maybe with Saffron to see what he can do to start making things up to you.”
He winked at me.
Ashe Growled. “Fat fucking chance.”
Professor Garnet gave the Gentle Giant one of his intensely patient looks before kissing me on the cheek and gliding to my door. “I’ll see you in half an hour for the meeting. Director Flemmings has your new class schedule if you want to arrive early to look at it.”
I widened my eyes in surprise. “I still have to take classes?”
“Yes, Aphy.” Professor Garnet winked. “Education is eternal. Feeding your mind should be your top priority.” He glanced at my workstation and my collection of mind-controlled mages. “Maybe second to top. They start back up bright and early tomorrow.” His features darkened. “Don’t make any more deals. Alchemist Blickenstaff has been here longer than even Beryl. She’s a force of nature, even with her magic weakened. I need to sleep on everything you’ve told me. I won’t lie; it’s a mess which doesn’t include dealing with Saffron and Mercedes’ parents, who arrive tomorrow.”
“Professor, before you go.” Ashe clenched his jaw, his voice tight. “Let me see your phone.”
Slowly, Professor Garnet fished it out of his pocket and handed it over. Ashe took out his own and pressed a few buttons before restarting the professor's device. Once restarted, he opened an app and typed in a code he got off his screen.
“Beryl’s invention,” Ashe explained. “It will keep any messages you send A private from the MA and the administration.” He looked up and gave the professor a stern look. “That’s not a fucking invite or permission to follow up with her. Got it?”
Professor Garnet raised an eyebrow.
Ashe leaned forward. “You’ve still only got A’s contact info there, not mine or Beryl’s.”
“Beryl has the gatekeeper's seal of approval?” Professor Garnet asked, taking the phone back.
Even Ashe’s beard frowned, and Professor Garnet chuckled.
I bristled. “Ashe is not my gatekeeper.”
Professor Garnet smiled and let himself out of my tower. I glared at my door as it shut behind his lovely backside.
Chapter 2