~NICO~

I follow Elena out of the class.

When we step out, heads turn immediately, guys staring at her legs, girls eyeing me like I belong to them.

Elena notices both. I see the way her shoulders tense, the way she presses her books tighter against her chest.

Perfect.

I sling my jacket over my shoulder and walk just a step ahead of her, letting the crowd swallow us up.

A group of girls waves, one of them, Sofia, if I recall rightly is making a beeline straight for me. She’s all glossy hair, red lipstick, and too much perfume.

“Nico,” she purrs, sliding her hand onto my arm. “You’re...