The blonde guy I’d met earlier walked sheepishly into the classroom and looked toward the professor. The whispers started up almost immediately. I could see Priscilla eyeing him like a tiger ready to strike.

“Can I sit anywhere?” he asked.

“Ohh, he’s pretty cute,” Stacy leaned over, whispering. 

Should I tell her that he’s probably brain damaged? Eh, I’ll let her find out for herself. 

Jake grunted, annoyed. “Is that all girls ever talk about?”

“Ah, you must be the new student,” Professor Golding said. “We don’t have assigned seating. Please choose where you’d like to sit.”

It suddenly dawned on me that there were only a few seats available, and one of them was in the back next to me. 

Okay, it’s fine. Just don’t make eye contact—

Too late. His eyes darted to mine and they lit up immediately in recognition. My stomach started to fall as he made his way through the desks and gracefully slid into the seat next to mine.

“Nice to see you again, savior,” he said smiling, his voice warm and playful.

I grunted and propped my head up with my hand.

“I’m just surprised you made it in one piece,” I said, eyeing him carefully. It was hard to get a read on this guy and I didn’t understand why he wanted to be near me. He was the type of guy that would hang with the more outgoing crowd, and I was ninety-nine percent sure our little group didn’t fit that stereotype. 

He laughed and turned to hang his bookbag on the back of his chair. “I guess I deserve that. No more mishaps, I promise.”

“Uhm, Nyx,” Stacy interjected, giving me her “wtf” evil-eye, “aren’t you going to introduce us?”

I sighed and pointed at Stacy. “This one is Stacy.” I nodded toward Jake, who was also eyeing the new guy like he’d grown two heads. “And this one is Jake.”

“And you’re Nyx, then?” The new guy said. I could feel his eyes on me, but I avoided them and pretended to read our textbook. I wasn’t sure why but looking at him made me uncomfortable.

“Yes,” I said, still feeling his gaze. Why couldn’t he take the hint that I wasn’t interested in becoming friends? Was he that oblivious?

Stacy cleared her throat. “Sorry about her, she’s shy.” 

I gave her the finger.

“I don’t think we’ve got to hear your name yet?” Stacy asked.

“It’s Lucius D--,” he paused for a few seconds, “Lucius Demetrius.” He said quickly. 

What now, did he forget his own name? 

Stacy smiled, not seeming to notice. “It’s nice to meet you, Lucius! I hope we can all be friends.”

“Yeah, what she said,” Jake said, not sounding at all convinced.

I peeked at Lucian out of the corner of my eye, just in time for him to meet my gaze and smile.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he said.