I knew not all men ditched their brides on their wedding days or cheated or broke their women’s hearts, and I might be sounding like a cynical bitch right now, but heartache, deceit and humiliation were all I’d known.
For me, men couldn’t be trusted. Period.
Perhaps I was still hurting because I’d never had closure or a chance to make him pay; I’d run away after the wedding. I couldn’t stand the pitiful looks of the people in town or seeing Russell around everywhere go about his day, eating, working, smiling as if nothing had happened.
Now that I’d have my chance for revenge, things might finally change. Maybe, just maybe, I would heal.
“Vixen, I must hear you say it face to face that you’re okay with working here, competing against—”
“Absolutely,” I said too quickly. I hoped he wouldn’t take it the wrong way.
His deep eyes pierced me, his face hard, unreadable. My heart went frantic for the next few silent moments when he was seeing through me with his stare. I bet he’d figured me out already, why I was really here. Did he think I was too emotional, maybe even unprofessional to be here? Had I fucked up the interview already?
I swallowed. “I mean, I’m not just okay with it. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to…be your successor. It’s an honor, Professor.”
A smirk tugged the corner of his mouth as he leaned forward. “I’m certain you’d make a great Head of Department because you’re dedicated, enthusiastic and focused. It’s clear you’re on a mission. Winning this position is all you’re here for.”
It was hard to tell if he meant what he said or was being sarcastic. His body language was impossible to read. It was making me so nervous. My intuition flared, screaming I’d fucked up. Damn it. I lowered my gaze and licked my lip, my mouth too dry to swallow, all hope lost. “Yes.”
“Good.”
I blinked, my head jerking toward him. “Good?”
His smirk widened into a full grin. “You’ve always been one of my favorites, Vixen. If I can be honest, I hope you’re the one to sit behind this desk.”
Blood rushed back into my veins. “Wow. Thank you, Professor. I didn’t expect that.”
“But make no mistake, I won’t make my decision based on personal preferences, only performance.”
“I expect nothing else. I’m here to earn this position.”
He rose from his seat and moved to my side. “Very well. Let’s give Professor Green the news. I bet the surprise will leave him speechless.”
I laughed under my breath as I stood. “Yes, please. I can’t wait.”
CHAPTER 4
VIXEN
Russell’s greeting smile at Professor Pattison froze midway when his stare met mine. I kept my steps steady as I entered his office, not taking my gaze away off the one person that had hurt me the most.
“Vixen,” he swallowed, and his eyes flickered between Pattison and me, “long time no see.”
Not long enough.“Good to see you, too.” I plastered the fakest grin I could muster on my mouth.
“Yeah…” He nodded like an idiot, scratching his chin. Then he gestured at me—my body. “You look great.”
Was that a hint of regret I heard in his voice? Or was it surprise? His pompous ass must have thought I’d forget myself and look terrible after him.
He looked fucking great, too, in that gray suit, the skin around his blue eyes barely wrinkly, his skin aglow. I was hoping he’d gone bald or got a fat beer belly, but his brown hair was thicker than mine, body fitter than an athlete. “So I’ve been told.”
Professor Pattison closed the door, and ushered me to sit with him at Russell’s desk.
“I’m sure you’ve heard I am retiring next semester,” Pattison started.
Russell dragged his questioning gaze from me to our boss and nodded with a phony frown. “It’s a shame. I’m very sorry to see you go, Pro—”
“No, you’re not. You’re counting the days because your odds of taking my seat are high.”
