Yes. Thank you, Professor. Call him on his crap.
With a nervous chuckle, Russell ran a thumb over his brow. “Ambition is a quality you’ve always appreciated, Professor Pattison. It doesn’t mean I’m not sad that you’re leaving us.”
Oh come on. Give me a break.
“I can’t say it isn’t hard for me either, but it must be done.” The sunlight coming through the windows gleamed in Pattison’s eyes. “I have found what I am looking for in life, and she requires my full attention now.”
My eyes narrowed with surprise. “Is that so?”
“Yes, Vixen. The reason I’m retiring is to start the family I’ve always wanted.”
“Wow. Congratulations, Professor.” I’d thought he just wanted to retire early to travel the world or something. It never crossed my mind that he…had found love. Great. First the two professors I was filling in for and now my old teacher… What, the three had a department meeting where they’d agreed to have their happily ever afters, leaving their jobs to the spinster?
You know what? I don’t care, and I’m not jealous at all. I’m here for one reason and one reason only: take down the douche in the gray suit.
“Thank you.” Pattison stood and went over to the windows, buttoning his suit jacket. “Like I said, I’m going to miss my job. Quitting it isn’t easy for me, and finding the right person to fill my place is even harder. That’s why, in this one final task, I’m going to be more ruthless than ever.”
A grim sensation took over me all of a sudden, but my determination wouldn’t let it affect me.I shall win the position. Whatever it takes.
“My seat is rimmed with fire. Only a person that can handle the burn is worthy of it.” He spun and held our gazes. “For this reason, I’d like to see your performance in competition, before I recommend either of you for the job.”
Bring it.I smiled at Russell, even though he wasn’t looking at me, accepting the challenge.
“Either of…us?” Russell rattled. “Does this mean—”
“Professor Legend is joining us for the rest of the semester, and both of you are the candidates for the Head of Department position,” Pattison explained.
It was a few moments before Russell turned his disgusting head and glanced at me. His face crimson red. His eyes an angry ocean at night, the look in them priceless.
I grinned from ear to ear. Satisfaction coursed through me. “Are you all right, Russell? You don’t look so great.”
“Is there a problem, Professor Green?” Pattison returned to his seat.
“Not at all.” Russell’s lips stretched with a twitching smile. “Vix… I mean, Professor Legend, is a great person and teacher.” He stared at me, his jaws hard now. “Welcome aboard.”
“Thanks,” I said, enjoying myself to the core. The first step in Make the Douche Feel the Pain mission was now successfully complete. I hadn’t felt so well in years nothing could ruin my mood today, not what happened this morning, not my broken car, not—
A knock on the door followed by a woman coming in interrupted my thoughts. “Hey, honey, wanna grab some lunch…?” She looked at us and smiled apologetically. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were having a meeting.” She nodded at Pattison. “Professor.”
“Kate,” he greeted back and waved at me. “Please come in and meet Professor Legend. She’s starting with us tomorrow.”
“Oh, hi.” The woman walked—glided—toward me and stuck out a hand, her smile and red lipstick too bright and annoying. “Kate Turner, Fine Arts. I teach Choreography.”
I took her hand, noticing the sparkling white ballerinas on her feet. “Vixen Legend, Psychology. Pleasure to meet you.”
She shifted her gaze toward Russell. “Vixen Legend? As intheVixen Legend?”
He nodded.
I raised a brow in question. “Wait… How do you know who I am?”
“I told her about you,” Russell said, and a knowing grin colored his face. “I don’t keep anything from my fiancé.”
CHAPTER 5
VIXEN
He’s engaged?
