"No hurry," Gabriel allowed. "But what use is a pretty face that's neither clever nor ambitious?"

He didn't really believe that--could it even be called false modesty?--of Niall, who seemed dangerously clever. But he wanted more. He wanted to test how much Niall wanted his company and what argument or offer he'd make for it. It seemed that Niall had come out of his way for Gabriel. He wasn't a student and he hadn't offered any other explanation for his presence. That French line as introduction, all these hints that he had some business with Gabriel... Gabriel would be a fool to go with him blithely.

Easy to play hard to get when you know someone wants your company more than they're letting on.

The pretty redhead from the front row was sitting nearby, making a poor pretense at reading a book to disguise her hopeful lingering. Gabriel caught her eye and flashed her a smile. The innocent flustered and beamed back at him.

Gabriel turned a reckless smile on Niall. He had another pretty face waiting for him, less complicated and less dangerous. If Niall wanted his company, he was going to have to up the ante.