I shrugged and whispered, “I'm sorry. I'm just nervous.”

After Alexi had left me in the lab the day before, I’d managed to finish what I wanted to do, but every other thought had been consumed with him. He’d texted to apologize for running off, but other than that, I hadn’t heard from him.

And now, I was a jumbled pile of raw nerves. What if Xander figured out who Lex had been with? Would he be pissed? He had told me to stay away from his brother after all.

And no matter what I tried, I couldn’t focus on my classmates as they prepared their presentations and talked about their photos. My mind kept drifting back to Alexi. His lips on mine, the way he’d asked permission before kissing me. The reverent way he’d touched me. I shifted in my seat.

Ilani flicked a paperclip at my head. “Honestly, Abbie. If you don't stop, I'll sever your legs. It will be a real shame watching you wheel around London trying to take photos, but I'll do it.”

“Shit. I'm sorry. I just want this whole thing over with.”

Ilani nodded in understanding. “The reason I'm so calm is I medicated with a Xanax before coming today.”

I couldn’t help a silent snort of laughter, and I whispered, “You what?”

“I know. Seems stupid now as I'm buzzing just the slightest bit. I'm praying I get through my presentation without showing the whole class my knickers.”

I shook my head and giggled. “You know, you’re just outrageous enough that I can see it happening.”

Ilani winked at me. “It's happened before.”

At that moment, Xander walked in, and the room went silent, everyone nearly sitting on the edges of their chairs, waiting to see who the first victim would be. Everyone hoped it wouldn’t be them, but simultaneously prayed it would be so they could just get it over with.

Xander stood in front of the class. “Good afternoon, my intrepid photographers. Today is a great day to tell stories with our art.” He was clearly jazzed, but so far, he was the only one feeling that energy. Everyone else had that wrinkled brow, teeth-gnawing-on-lip look.

“So, have I got a volunteer?”

Nobody moved, as if terrified that even the slightest movement or a scratched nose would symbolize a desire to get flambéed by Xander first. Surreptitiously, my classmates slid glances at each other. Still, nobody dared move.

Xander jumped up and down twice, but his gaze never met mine. “C'mon, gang. There has to be someone brave enough. I promise it's not that bad. I've obviously taken a cursory look at these. Some were quite good. Others not so much. But we'll get to that. Remember, this is so you can learn.”

My foot began its tapping routine again, and next to me Ilani groaned.