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“You could have avoided all this if you had told me what you were looking for. I would have gotten you the digital version.”

“I like physical books better. Besides, I doubt there's an eBook of something this old.”

Ryder chuckled softly. “You'd be surprised at the things I can find online.”

“Now you sound like you're about to trade crypto for a PDF on some sketchy corner of the dark web.”

“I mean, if it gets you the book…”

I narrowed my eyes at him suspiciously. “Wouldn’t that be illegal?”

“Do you think I'm above breaking the law for you?”

“I don't need you catching a case because I procrastinated on an assignment.”

“That implies I’d get caught.”

I laughed, then bit the inside of my cheek, debating on how I should broach this next subject. “So, that guy I didn’t know you knew until today, Vincent, do you think he’s in on The Hunt?”

“He’s not someone you need to worry about.”

“I’m not worried,” I replied evenly. “I’m curious.”

“Don’t be.”

“You realize telling me not to be curious is only going to make me want to know more.”

His thumb stilled on my knuckles. “Exactly why I’m telling you now not to dig where you don’t need to. Vincent’s not your problem. I’ll deal with him.”

There was no bravado in his tone, just a quiet certainty that sent a chill down my spine.

I wanted to ask how he even knew the guy, but Ryder had triple the number of acquaintances I did.

He led me back toward the alcove I’d left Cloe, and as we approached, I heard Xander’s voice, followed by barely stifled laughter from an outside table where three students were struggling to keep it down.

We rounded the last corner, and I spotted everyone who must have come with Ryder.

Nick was seated at a round table like a smug king, Ari’s iPad propped up in front of him like a podium.

Flanking him like disciples were Xander, Rook, and Dougie, all of them grinning like they’d just discovered the secrets of the universe.

Cloe’s things were neatly set beside her laptop, and she was nowhere in sight.

I was so focused on trying to see if I could spot her elsewhere that I didn’t immediately catch on to what was happening until I heard Cade react to what Nick was saying.

“Damn, she just fucked the two other dudes like an hour ago.”

Dougie laughed. “I know that cat is hurting.”

“Listen, listen.” Nick held up his hand and leaned forward, voice smooth and theatrical, totally in his element.

“She gasped when his mouth found her thigh, heat curling up her spine like a match striking. He dragged his tongue higher, tasting her with a reverence that made her bones ache. You’re mine , he growled, and she—.’”

“Oh my god,” I whispered, horror dawning as I realized what he was doing. Ryder started to laugh beside me.

“‘—she whimpered, helpless, bound and aching and ready to beg if that’s what he wanted. Anything. She’d give him anything as long as she could have his—.’”

“Why do they keep calling it a length?” Xander interrupted, his brow furrowing.

“Hold this.” I yanked my hand free from Ryder’s and shoved my book into his arms before I stormed toward the group.

“Nick!” I whisper-hissed.

He kept reading as if I hadn’t spoken.

“‘—as long as she could have his length snug inside her.’”

“Give me that right now.” I lunged. He grabbed the tablet and leaned back quickly enough to dodge, flashing a grin.

“Hey, it was getting good. All that quality prose.”

“Nick, I swear.” I snatched the iPad from his hands on my second attempt and clutched it to my chest.

Cade was doubled over in laughter. Dougie was nearly on his knees. Xander grinned, something visibly clicking into place.

“Isn’t that Ari’s iPad?”

“No wonder she’s always got her nose buried in that thing,” Nick joked.

Cade’s eyes met mine. “Think she’s been doing her own extracurricular activities?”

“We are never speaking on this again,” I muttered, hugging the device.

Cloe reappeared, striding toward us with hurried steps. “Are you guys serious? I was gone for five minutes. Five.”

Beside me, Ryder and Cade exchanged one of their silent looks that let them speak without having to say a word.

It would be close to imperceptible to anyone who didn’t grow up watching them wordlessly strategize.

Rook clearly caught on too, sobering and adjusting his stance like he knew what was coming.

“We have to go,” Ryder said quietly, already reaching for my hand. He pulled me close and side-hugged me with one arm, passing my book back before stepping away, expression unreadable.

Cade moved so he was in front of me next, arms spread wide open like an invitation.

“What-what are you doing?”

“This is typically how people ask for hugs.”

I groaned. “Please tell me this isn’t your leeway into becoming a ‘ where’s my hug’ guy.”

Nick chucked.

Cade looked down at me, amused. “Do I look like someone who asks chicks for hugs?”

“I try not to think about what you ask women for, Cade,” I retorted. I set my book down and then stepped into his waiting arms. He hugged me firmly.

“This is you agreeing to stop ignoring all of us,” he murmured into my hair.

I nodded, letting myself have the moment.

When Cade stepped away, Nick started toward me with a grin. Cloe watched on with thinly veiled amusement.

Cade turned to her. “You want one too?”

“I don’t pass out hugs,” she replied smoothly, reaching for her highlighter. “And I definitely don’t want one from you.”

Cade clutched his chest. “Ouch. Critical hit.”

Nick peeled off with a low laugh. Xander followed with a wink. Then Rook stepped up, wordless as always, with just a touch more pressure.

Dougie shuffled up last, giving me a quick side squeeze. “I would give you a real one, but I don’t want them to beat my ass later,” he whispered, making me laugh.

I watched them go, then settled in to try and get something done.