Page 72 of Lessons in Touch

"You're sure about this?"

"I'm sure. She was furious, but she knew I was right. Her crimes are worse than ours." Rose squeezes my hand. "The video won't be leaked, Gabriel. It's over."

I look at her and see the woman she has become. Confident. Strategic. Unafraid. When did my shy student transform into this formidable person?

"You did that?" I ask, my voice filled with wonder. "You faced down Cassandra Vale?"

"You taught me how." Her smile is radiant now. "You taught me to know my worth, to stand up for myself, and to fight for what matters."

The emotion hits me like a wave. This incredible woman risked everything to save us both. She could have walked away and found someone easier, someone who wouldn't complicate her life. Instead, she fought.

I pull her into my arms, holding her tight against my chest. She feels so right there, like she's always belonged in my arms.

"I can't believe you did that," I murmur into her hair.

"I wasn't going to lose you. Not like this. Not on her terms."

I pull back to look at her face. "I was ready to give up everything for you."

"I know. That's why I had to act." She cups my face in her hands. "I love you too much to let you sacrifice yourself for me."

"Rose." Her name is a prayer on my lips.

"We're going to be okay," she whispers. "We're going to make it through this."

I kiss her then, pouring all my relief, love, and gratitude into it. She responds with equal passion, winding her arms around my neck. When we finally break apart, we're both breathing hard.

"I thought I'd lost you," I admit. "Last night in the greenhouse, walking away from you was the hardest thing I've ever done."

"You'll never lose me." She kisses me again, softer this time. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Good." I stand up and walk to the suitcase, closing it with a decisive snap. "Because I'm not either."

"What about your resignation letter?"

I pick up the sealed envelope from the desk and tear it in half. "What letter?"

Rose laughs, the sound bright and joyful. "And your Senate campaign?"

"Back on track." I pull her up from the bed and into my arms again. "Assuming you want to be with a future senator."

"I want to be with you," she says simply. "Whatever that means."

I kiss her forehead, her cheeks, her lips. "It means everything, Rose. It means we've won."

She pulls back slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know what this means, don't you?"

"What?"

"Our private lessons can continue."

For the first time in days, I feel light. Free. "Is that what you want, Miss Devereaux?"

"More than anything, Professor Thorn."

I sweep her up in my arms and carry her to the bed, pushing aside the boxes and scattered clothes to make room for us. She laughs as I lay her down gently, and her hair is spreading across my pillow like soft brown coffee.

"I love you," I tell her, and my voice is serious now. "I love your courage, your intelligence, your strength. I love who you are and who you're becoming."