CHAPTER 40

He has no idea how striving I am to avoid any problem as far as our secret involvement is concerned. I take a deep breath, my feet heading for the stairs.

But Liam doesn't let me go that easily. "What about dinner?"

I halt by the staircase, gripping the handrails. "I had dinner already," I answer gruffly, whirling my gaze back at him.

"You did?" His voice is curt, displeased.

"Yeah. Would you like a receipt?" I sarcastically remark, making Malik block his mouth from laughing aloud.

Liam's jaw constricts. Jeez! Well, he called for it. I stay firm.

"Actually, I wouldn't call that dinner, Professor," Malik says cautiously, eyes on me. "It was just a snack and—“

"And I had enough for three," I interject.

"Well, if you put it that way, Professor." Malik laughs delightedly, successfully reading the signs. "I like your appetite, by the way."

"Oh, shut up," I hiss, and he laughs even more.

Jeez, there's no stopping him! I roll my eyes.

"You'r