My heart was already heavy from the strange, unrelenting pull Ryder and his brothers had over me. I didn’t need more drama, especially after yesterday. Without sparing him a glance, I moved quickly to an empty desk and settled in.
For a moment, I thought I was in the clear—until Alex approached.
Alex was kind, gentle, and normal—everything the Blackwood brothers weren’t. He gave me a friendly smile before sliding into the seat next to me without waiting for an invitation.
“Hope you don’t mind,” he said, brushing his dark brown hair out of his eyes. “The seat was empty, and you looked like you could use some company.”
I gave him a hesitant smile. “I don’t mind.”
“I was wondering…” Alex leaned in slightly, lowering his voice so the room’s chatter wouldn’t drown him out. “Do yo
