Page 75 of Unclaimed Bonds

I cross the room without looking at anyone.

“You will need to remove your hat and jacket.”

I start to unzip my hoodie but hesitate when I remember what I’m wearing underneath. Crap! My borrowed bra is a little too snug, and Sixes gave me a pink tank top and yoga pants. My hair hides inside my sweatshirt because I don’t know how to braid it. Maybe it’s long enough to cover my backside.

“Hat and jacket,” Professor Hocson repeats.

I slowly remove the hat and set it on the table. Taking a deep breath, I pull off my hoodie, hang it on the back of the chair, and drop into my seat. Someone whistles from the back of the room, and heat burns my cheeks.

Professor Hocson approaches and places a pencil and an exam booklet in front of me. “You sure you want to take the exam today? It’s not too much, considering everything you’ve been through?” he asks in a low voice.

“Thank you for your concern, but I feel better and would like to take it today.”

“Okay. Well, the exam clock started fifteen minutes ago. If you need extra time, I can make an exception since you arrived a little late.”

I offer a small smile and open the exam. I’m not there very long when I hear the rustling of papers and a chair scraping along the floor.

“Thank you, Mr. Fitzpatrick. You may leave. Grades will be posted in two hours.” I glance up as Liam passes. He smiles and winks at me.

I furrow my brow. I didn’t expect that from him. I thought he would avoid me or stare with his usual pinched expression.

Then, Luke stands. He offers me a big smile, showing those damn dimples. I frown and look back down at my exam. What the hell is up with them? Sodie is the next one to turn in his exam. When he passes me, I give him a huge smile. His friendship never wavered. I am really going to miss him when he leaves.

It doesn’t take long for me to finish. I turn my booklet into Professor Hocson. “Done so soon? You sure you don’t want extra time?”

“No. I’m confident with my answers.”

“Alright. I’ll let Anders know how you did. Have you thought about what you would like to major in before we start your core college courses?”

“I haven’t made up my mind yet.”

“Well, that’s okay. We have about a month before you need to decide.”

I nod and turn to gather my things. Marcus and Dustin watch me from the back of the room. I hurriedly grab my hat and head out the door.

Sodie, Luke, and Liam stand at the end of the hall, talking amongst themselves. As I continue to walk out of the building, they all follow me. What is with them? The last time I saw Luke, he treated me horribly. And Liam? Don’t even get me started. His hot and cold demeanor always makes my head spin. Now he’s being attentive and nice.

I ignore them both and turn to Sodie when he asks, “How do you think you did?”

“Not terrible, I think. How about you?”

He shrugs. “As well as I could.”

Guilt spreads in my chest. Did I somehow mess up his studying time… by going missing? I hope not. Sodie deserves to graduate.

He bumps into my arm. “I’m not a good test taker, but I had good study partners.” He tips his head toward Liam and Luke.

Heat tingles along my bare arm. I glance over to see Liam’s hand fall back to his side.

I’m not wearing my sweatshirt. I immediately stop. “I forgot my hoodie. I’ll be right back.” They all follow me. “I don’t need an escort.” They just stare at me, unbudging. I pivot specifically to Liam and raise my eyebrow, daring him to reply. He doesn’t, simply inclining his head.

I hurry inside to the classroom, which has since emptied. My sweatshirt is gone.

“Forget something, Princess?” Marcus asks as Dustin holds up my hoodie and waves it at me. Marcus sits on the desk closest to the door. Dustin remains by the doorway, leaning against the frame and crossing his arms over his chest. “Tell me, Princess. Did Liam set up my cousin to take the fall for your little escape plan? Hmmm?”

What the hell is he talking about?

“Did you two have a falling out, and you planned to run away? I saw that look he gave you, but you ignored him. Is that why you showed up here looking all sexy, instead of like a boy for a change? Trying to show him what he’s missing?”