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Gage’s reply died in his throat when we both heard the soft tap at the door. He glanced at the door, and then at me, and then back to the door. “Who could it be?” Before I could do or say anything, he swung himself off the desk, strode over to the door, and threw it open. “Hello, there.”
There was a moment of silence, and then I heard JJ’s voice. “Hi.”
This was going to be a fucking disaster.
“Come in.” Gage swept his arm out. “I assume you’re here to see the good doctor Killian?”
JJ shot me a cautious glance, but when I said nothing—because how the fuck was I supposed to react in this situation?—he treated Gage to one of his sunshine smiles. “I am. I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure. I’m JJ, and you are…”
“Gage.”
“Oh, Gage.”
I pinched my brow. Now Gage would know?—
Gage’s brows flew up, his eyes widening, but he recovered quickly. “He’s mentioned me to you, has he? Now I’m at a disadvantage because Kill likes to play his cards close to his chest, and he never tells me anything.” My annoying colleague directed a poor attempt at a wounded look at me, complete with a pout that he absolutely couldn’t pull off. “Tell me about yourself. You look familiar. Have we met before? You’re not in any of my classes, are you?”
Shit. The club. If Gage put two and two together, he’d make five.
“JJ’s studying for a BA in dance. You’ve probably seen him around the campus.” Sudden panic made the words trip off my tongue.
But Gage wasn’t satisfied, his brows creasing as he eyed JJ with suspicion. “Dance? This is the business school.”
JJ’s gaze slid to mine and then back to Gage. “I’m the housemate of one of Killian’s students. You know his reputation for terrorising his poor victims. I like to think of myself as a go-between. I drop my housemate’s assignments off when Killian scares him into delivering them personally rather than being satisfied with the online portal like every other lecturer.” His voice was teasing, and Gage responded with a loud bark of laughter.
“I like you already. Since you’re not one of Kill’s students, how would you feel about being recruited to my mission?”
“Mission?”
“To make Kill socialise more.”
“Gage,” I cautioned. “JJ isn’t here for that.” Hopefully, he wouldn’t realise that I was lying through my teeth.
“Nope. This is perfect, if you think about it. He can give you a student’s perspective, and I think you could do with that. Don’t forget your two-year plan.”
Dropping my head to my desk, I groaned. “Fuck off. Please.”
“Uh. Okay.”
“Not you.” Without lifting my head from my desk, I jabbed my index finger in the approximate direction of my annoying colleague. “You.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll go. I know when I’m not wanted. But just so you’re aware, this conversation isn’t over.” Footsteps sounded, then stopped. “I almost forgot why I came in here. Stuart and his wife are organising a small thing on Friday with a few of the other faculty members. It’s casual, just drinks at a bar. You’re coming.”
“No.”
“Yes. Kill, come on. Remember your plan.”
“If I say I’ll think about it, will you leave me alone?”
“If you say yes, I’ll leave right now.”
“Fine. Yes. Now kindly fuck off.”
I heard footsteps again, followed by the soft creak of the door closing. When I judged Gage had finally gone far enough away, I raised my head from the desk, rubbing the spot between my brows.
“Sorry.” JJ bit down on his lip, his gaze dropping to the floor. “I wasn’t sure how you wanted me to act or what Gage knew already. I hope I didn’t make anything too awkward for you.”
Extending my hand, I shook my head. “Come here.”
