Sienna is stunning. Born in Korea, she and her family moved to the United Kingdom when she was two years old. Her hair is unfairly sleek and shiny, and she wouldn’t be out of place on the catwalk, though she’s probably a bit short for that.

“Shut up. Tonight is my night with Nathan. I’m going to make him fall in love with me if it kills me.”

Two weeks until Valentine’s Day, and everyone is supposed to be coupled up. Chace doesn’t seem to hate the day, so maybe he’ll surprise me. Maybe I wouldn’t dislike Valentine’s Day as much if he had feelings for me too. “Sie, don’t give it away, babe,” Isaac says, throwing an arm around her shoulders. “Make him work for it.”

Isaac is a brave, stupid man.

Sienna’s black eyes darken as she shoots Isaac a look that could kill. “Thanks for that,” she replies, sarcasm dripping from each word.

Taking a step back, he drops his arm and runs his hand through his short, black hair.

“Only trying to help,” he defends.

Charlotte watches our interaction with interest. She’s the quiet one who came to live with us by pure chance. Over the last five months, since we’ve all been living together, she and I have become friends. But she’s still a bit of an outsider, preferring to stay in and keep to herself, rather than joining in activities with us.

“You okay, Charlotte?” Chace asks, sensing her tension.

“Maybe I’ll stay here tonight,” she replies. “It doesn’t exactly sound like my thing.”

Charlotte is dressed in a long denim skirt and a coral T-shirt. Her pale blond hair is pulled back in a high ponytail. She doesn’t look like she’s going out, but I know she’ll enjoy it. Every time we’ve managed to drag her with us, she’s had a good time.

I lay back against the cushions on the sofa. “No way. You’re coming.”

She leans in. “I know I said I wanted more of the university experience, but I’m pretty sure a play about martyrdom isn’t it.”

“It’s not only about the play. You know we’re going for the after-party.”

“Now I know I won’t enjoy that.”

“What did you do before Lylah adopted you, Charlotte? Stay home and play chess against yourself?” Sonny asks, laughing at his own comment.

I grit my teeth.

“Don’t be a dick, Sonny,” Chace says, backhanding Sonny’s chest.

Charlotte ducks her head to avoid Sonny’s gaze, and I glare at him.

Sonny sighs. “You’re right. That was mean. Char, I’m sorry.”

She nods, but I don’t think she forgives him. I wouldn’t if I were her.