“Indeed. Shall we?”

It took Tessa a moment to realize he was speaking to her. “Oh, yes. Of course. Thank you so much, Willa. Nice to meet you.”

The fae smiled back. “You too. Good luck with everything.”

Tessa left with Sebastian. It was impossible to ignore the ring. First of all, it was heavier than she’d imagined an engagement ring would be. Secondly, she felt like everyone was staring at it. Or maybe it was just her. She couldn’t help but glance down at it. It glittered like a disco ball and was about as out of place on her hand.

“Don’t fall in love with it. Keeping it isn’t part of the deal.”

She jerked her head up. “I know that. Trust me, I have no designs on you or your money. All I want is the job.”

He snorted softly like he didn’t totally buy that.

The noise and the sense of disbelief radiating off him raised her valkyrie ire, a rare occurrence. Mostly because she did everything to avoid it. Alarms started going off inside her. She clenched her right hand until the scar on her knuckles stood out white. She needed to fix this and now.

She stopped cold, forcing him to do the same, then backtrack to her. “What’s the matter?”

She kept her voice low but her tone clear. “This was your idea. If you’re going to disparage my character or imply that I am somehow out to get something beyond the job that was promised to me, then perhaps you should find yourself another fool.”

Her ire still rising, she pulled the ring off, shoved it into his hand and spun to walk away from him. Cooling off and calming down was paramount.

She’d seen his mouth come open, but had no idea if he was following after her or not. It was bad enough that he thought she wasn’t up to the task of convincing his ex that she was worthy of his affections, but for him to even slightly imply that she was somehow in this for financial gain was ludicrous.

Just like this insane scheme.

She wanted the job desperately. Actually, she needed it desperately. But if it meant spending time with a man who was going to rile her up and test her temper, she was done.

Nothing was worth risking another life over.

Sebastian stared after Tessa, mouth open, head full of disbelief, the ring still warm in his hand. The little mouse had roared and it was oddly stimulating. He found himself again and took off after her, nearly needing to jog to catch her. “Tessa. Tessa.”

She refused to slow. “I don’t want to do this anymore. Find someone else.”

“I apologize.”

She stopped, but the unhappy curve of her pretty mouth said she wasn’t going to be still long. Pedestrians streamed past them. She wrapped her left hand over her right, her thumb rubbing at her knuckles. At a scar there. “You’re not a nice man. And I say that knowing full well this could cost me the job of dean, but this is a mutually beneficial situation. You’re getting as much out of this as I am. Maybe more. So you making me feel like I’m trying to…to…grift you is—”

“You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry. My people skills are not what they should be. Which is no excuse for my behavior.” He held out the ring. “Please. Give me another chance. I need you.” That was something he hadn’t said—or needed to say—to anyone in many, many years. To be saying those words to this particular woman was a rather surreal experience.

The passersby slowed and from the smiles and glances at the ring, it was obvious they thought they were witnessing a proposal.

He took her elbow and led her out of the path of traffic and prying eyes. “What do you say? Another chance? I have been told I am a difficult man. Most recently by Evangeline. Perhaps I am, but I have no desire to change, especially not for her. The most I can do is attempt to temper my natural tendencies. Which I will. But you must accept that dealing with who I am is part of this arrangement.”

She made a face. “Well, when you put it that way, how can a girl resist?” Resignation filled her gaze. “I said I would help and I’m a woman of my word.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

She stuck her hand out, palm up. “The ring?”

He gave it to her, letting her put it on herself this time since that seemed to be her desire. It was fine with him. He knew very well the softness of her skin. He didn’t need the temptation of it again. This was a business arrangement, nothing more. “Coffee, then?”

“I suppose.”

“You don’t seem very enthused by the idea. We do still need to get to know each other.”

She let out a soft breath. “I think I’m getting to know you just fine.” She narrowed her eyes slightly. “Coffee is good, but I might need something stronger.”

He raised his brows. “Alcohol?” He hadn’t pictured her as the drinking type.

“Chocolate.”

“I can manage that.” He took off walking, a new destination in mind.

From behind him, he heard the sound of throat clearing. He glanced over his shoulder. She was still standing there, a look of expectation on her face. He returned to her side. “Did I forget something?”

“We’re supposed to be engaged. Not only didn’t you wait for me, but couples in love hold hands.”

He blinked. “You want to hold my hand?”

She glared at him. “Not particularly, no. But you could at least offer me your arm.”

“You’re right. I’m not thinking like an engaged man.” He stuck his elbow out.