Chapter 19

# Chapter 19

**Bonus: +25**

“I assure you, my relationship with Ethan is over. I’m only focused on my job as Matt’s tutor. I value professionalism, and I promise to stay loyal to my responsibilities,” she said.

I told him, knowing I was rambling, but I just couldn’t stop myself. He made me feel intimidated.

He stared at me for a moment, which only made me more nervous.

“Rest assured that no lines will ever be crossed,” he said.

“And what about me?” he asked. His tone was not condescending at all. Instead, he sounded genuinely curious, like a boy filled with wonder. His gaze was gentle, almost soft, and it made my heart skip a beat. I could feel my cheeks warm up.

“I promise I will never cross any lines with you,” I said sincerely.

Gavin paused for a moment, studying me closely. After a few seconds, he gave me a brief nod.

“I hope you remember to keep that promise,” he replied.

“I dare you to say that,” he said, a challenge in his voice.

I was about to respond when the waitress came back with our wine.

Gavin quickly changed the topic to my schedule. We talked it over and agreed on a plan that worked for both of us. Then, he pulled out the…

He placed the contract on the table and explained that it was just a formality regarding employment and salary.

“It also says that you can’t tell anyone who you work for,” he added. “It’s for your safety.”

“Yours and mine,” he said. “I have all my staff agree to the same terms.”

I nodded. It made sense, so I didn’t argue.

He handed me a pen. After I looked over the contract, I filled in my basic information.

He signed each line that he pointed at.

Soon after, the waitress came back with our food.

“This looks delicious,” I said as I took my first bite of the tasty salad.

Gavin had a rare steak served with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. We both enjoyed our meals.

I sat quietly, taking small sips of my wine. As I neared the end of my glass, I felt the warmth of the wine flowing through me.

“I need to use the restroom,” I said to him as I got up from the booth. “I’ll be right back.”

“He nodded, and I headed toward the bathroom. As I walked by, I noticed a stunning woman with auburn hair and the most dazzling green eyes I had ever seen. When I passed her, she brushed her shoulder against mine, sending a jolt of surprise through me.”

I paused for a moment, wondering if she had done that on purpose. She didn’t even say she was sorry!

I quickly pushed that thought away and headed to the bathroom. When I came back, I saw that Gavin was now standing.

His arms were crossed over his chest as he talked to the woman who had bumped into me a few minutes earlier. She seemed upset with him, and as I got closer, I could clearly hear what she was saying.

“So…”

“Is that why you haven’t called me back? Because you’ve been with another woman?” Daisy asked, her voice filled with anger.

“That’s enough, Daisy,” Gavin replied, his tone low and serious.

“Just answer the question, Gavin. Are you seeing someone else?”

“Her?” she asked, her voice filled with hurt.

Gavin’s eyes flicked to me, as if he could sense I was close by. Without responding to her, he walked over to me. My eyes widened in surprise as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

I felt his hands on my shoulders as he pulled me close. I was instantly captivated by his scent and warmth. A tingling sensation spread across my skin from his touch, and I couldn’t take my eyes off his face.

—

**Chapter 19**

I leaned against the nape of my neck. The woman, Daisy’s friend, looked at me with curious eyes.

Gavin walked ahead, and Daisy followed him, looking extremely angry.

“And if I am?” Gavin asked, getting closer. I could feel his breath against my cheek, and my heart raced in my chest.

“You’ll soon get tired of her,” Daisy said with a sneer.

Daisy folded her arms across her chest and said, “You always do this, and then you come crawling back to me.”

Gavin raised an eyebrow and asked, “How long do you plan on being the third wheel on our date?”

His words made me catch my breath.

Daisy frowned, clearly unhappy with Gavin’s comment.

“This isn’t over,” she muttered before giving me a nasty look and storming off.

As soon as she disappeared from view, Gavin let me go. I almost fell to the ground because my legs felt so weak. I could barely stand.

Gavin walked back to the table and started eating his food as if nothing had happened.

“What… what was that?” I asked, my voice shaky. I hated how weak I sounded.

Gavin looked at me and shrugged his shoulder.

“That was Daisy,” he said softly. “She’s a noble Lycan and my late wife’s sister.” I was shocked by his words.

“Oh,” I managed to reply.

“My mother has been wanting to pair us together as a second…”

“I’m sorry for putting you in that position,” he said. “I didn’t want to reject her too harshly. I regret using you like that.”

My cheeks were still burning, and I was sure he could see it. But he didn’t say anything about it.

I nodded in reply but didn’t say anything more.

After we finished our meals, Gavin paid the bill. He asked the driver to take us back to my house. I thanked him for the meal and for the job before getting out of the car. I then walked towards my front door.

I closed the door behind me. The car stayed put until I was inside, and then I heard it drive away.

I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding.

But that small relief didn’t last long. I soon heard my mother talking to someone outside.

As I stepped into the entryway, everything around me froze. My heart raced when I saw who was sitting on the couch, happily chatting with my mother.