Derek's POV.
For a moment, I thought I heard my name being called, and I paused, turning around to see if anyone was speaking to me. But it was just Elena chatting with Mercy. I must have been overthinking things.
My mind was still reeling from the news about Adam's attempted kiss. Who does something so forceful and disrespectful? The mere thought of it made my blood boil, and I clenched my fists in anger. How dare he try to touch her that way? If he weren't my student, I would have given him a piece of my mind - or worse.
Havens knew how hard I struggled to keep my emotions in check. I entered the mixer, searching for a refuge, and found a chair to sit down on.
Marrok spotted me and came over, asking with a smile, "What's up, man? What took you so long?"
I replied, "Sorry, I slept off," as I turned to the bartender and ordered, "Give me something strong."
Marrok asked, "How's life as a professor?"