“Layla made it clear to me that I had to take responsibility for asking you to meet me last night.” His expression actually looks sincere for a moment, not like he’s trying to charm me or analyze me.

I feel an immature twinge of relief that Layla’s also mad at him and not just at me.

We stare at each other for a few seconds.

“Did she tell you that I found Stefano?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

“She did.”

“Please tell me you didn’t repeat that to Blackwood.” I can hear the fear in my voice and I’m sure he can, too.

He hesitates for a second before answering. “The only thing I told Blackwood was that we were both in such a rush I didn’t see which way you went.”

I exhale. “I said essentially the same thing.”

“I know you did. I could tell by her expression,” he says.

I shake my head. “I’m a little jealous of you right now. You know these people. You know how to be strategic in a situation like this. And here I am left spewing half-truths and blabbering confusion to get through it.” I rub my forehead near my eyebrow.

He considers my words. “I’m pretty sure I know most of what you said, and you didn’t do as badly as you think you did.”

“How do you know I think I did badly?”

“Are you saying I’m wrong?”

“No, I’m saying you’re annoyingly right.”

“The way you just touched your forehead.”

I stop fidgeting. “What?”

He imitates my gesture. “This. You did it with your fingers out, shielding your eyes. It’s often linked with the shame of lying—metaphorically trying to hide yourself from being looked at.”

My eyes widen. “Doesn’t it get old always knowing what people are thinking? Don’t you want to be surprised sometimes?”

He scans my face. “The third mark I got was for conspiring to date another student. Now that was a surprise.”

“Oh man,” I say, and laugh, even though there is nothing funny about this situation. “Yeah, well, telling them I was breaking the rules because you are attractive seemed less likely to cause a tizzy than telling them I wanted to learn as much as I could about the other students.”

Ash looks far too pleased. “So you told Blackwood you’re attracted to me? I have to say that’s not a usual tactic. I’m fairly impressed.”

I put up my hands. “I totally see what you’re doing, changing my words and then watching my response. I said you’re attractive, not that I’m attracted to you. There’s a big difference.”