Soren shifted next to me and let out a low whistle. Mystery girl tilted her head to glare at him, sending those distracting stars glittering in a mad dance against her tanned skin. I’d never felt the need to compete with Soren for the ladies—there were plenty to be had if I were so inclined—but this time, I had the insane urge to block his view of her. What the hell was wrong with me? I didn’t get possessive, even if I wanted to taste the part of her neck where the stars touched.

She came to a stop in front of us and adjusted the messenger bag slung across her chest. Through supreme force of will, I kept my eyes trained on her face despite the fact that she was wearing a tight little tank top the color of ripe plums.

“Yes?” Her voice had a slight rasp that brought images of dark nights and slick skin.

I cleared my throat. “You looked like you needed help.” I prayed she didn’t notice my husky tone.

She eyed us both dismissively. “I need a seat, not a summons.”

Her ‘fuck off’ attitude reminded me of my sister, Chloe, which was disconcerting because my dick was definitely having non-familial feelings for this girl.

I nodded at Soren. “You can have his seat.”

My former best friend crossed his arms and leaned back with a shit-eating grin. “He doesn’t speak for me. Sorry, sweetheart, but you were the one who came in late.”

One of the blondes made the mistake of glancing coyly over her shoulder at Soren while she laughed at his response.

Mystery girl gave the ball bunny a toothy grin. “Don’t you have a cult meeting to go to?”

I might love this girl.

Soren chuckled and leaned forward, patting his thigh. “We could always share.”

That got all three of the blondes to turn around with pouts. Mystery girl rolled her eyes and took a step back. “I think you’ve angered the harem. I’d rather stand, thanks.”

I sensed my chance slipping away and elbowed him, hard. “Stop being an ass. You’re not even taking this class.”

Her eyes narrowed at Soren, and she drew closer again, nearly brushing my leg. “Well, I am taking this class. Out of the way, interloper.”

Soren eyed her up and down, and I had to restrain the urge to punch him. “Maybe if you ask nicely.”

The murder in her eyes warned me a split second before she lunged. I caught her around the waist before her hands could reach Soren, and she fell against my chest. The scent of something sweet, like ice cream, surrounded me, and I breathed deep. Soren, asshole that he was, laughed like a loon.

“I like her.” He stretched and stood. “I have somewhere to be anyway. You two play nice now. See you at practice, D.” He sent a wink at the blondes. “Ladies.”