Page 37 of Twilight of Embers
I frowned. “I am.”
“Then, why were you sitting in practically the back row? I’d think a serious student would be sitting in the front row.”
My mouth went dry. Everything in me was screaming that I needed distance from this man. “I see better from the middle of the classroom. It’s more comfortable on my neck.”
Brent’s mouth pursed. “I see.”
I didn’t say anything, but his disapproval was clear.
“Make sure you don’t get distracted by students who are messing around. I’d hate to see your focus slip.”
Why did that feel like a threat?
“Hayden, you ready?” a deep voice called from behind me.
I glanced over my shoulder to see Easton standing there, a hard gaze locked on Professor Brent.
I glanced back at the professor. “Did you need anything else?”
Brent glared at Easton and then turned back to me. “Be sure to email me to set up our next meeting.”
“Of course.” But I was dreading it. I tried to think of any reason to miss the meeting or to bring someone with me, but nothing came to mind.
I started for the door, and Easton fell into step beside me.
“What the hell is that douche’s deal?” he snarled.
“I don’t know,” I mumbled. “I think he just wants to make sure my focus is in the right place since I’m pre-med.”
Easton’s eyes flared. “You want to be a doctor?”
I nodded. “Since I was eleven.”
He opened his mouth to say something and then shut it. His back teeth ground together. “Just keep your distance from Brent.”
With that, Easton stormed off without another word.
Yeah, it would be super easy to stay away from my academic advisor, who wanted to meet twice a month in person, and whom I saw in class twice a week. I fought a groan.
“Hayden,” a voice called from behind me, and I turned to see Knox jogging through the crowd of students.
When he reached me, he pulled me into a hug, inhaling deeply. “Missed you.”
I laughed. “I saw you yesterday.” But even saying that, it was as if my whole body relaxed in his hold, that pine and rain scent wrapping around me.
“Too long,” he grumbled, finally releasing me. “Where are you headed?”
“Back to my dorm. I have a shift at Spark’s.”
Knox frowned. “What time are you off?”
“Five. Fiona has the dinner rush covered.”
A grin spread across his face. “Perfect. I’ll pick you up at the dorm at six.”
It was my turn to frown. “For what?”
“You’re coming to dinner at my house. All my brothers will be there, even Cillian.”
