“Summer school with you will be worse than our fake marriage.” I nudged him back.
He dramatically grasped his chest. “Ouch. That was harsh.”
Shaking my head, I stepped into the hallway, my smile firmly in place. Trent was leaning against the wall waiting for me. He straightened as soon as he saw me, his gaze darting between me and Jax.
“See ya later, cheater,” Jax said with a wink before sauntering down the hallway.
“Bye, booze hound,” I called after him, and despite the crowd swallowing him up, I could see him shaking his head.
“What was that all about?” Trent asked as he slipped his hand into mine.
“This stupid Life Skills project. We’re either going to get the best grade in the class, or we’re going to flunk miserably,” I said.
Trent tilted his head, his expression confused. I explained how Jax and I had made up this ridiculous scenario for our final project, and how it had become a running joke between us. Trent was silent for several moments after I stopped talking.
I risked a glance at him, worried he was reading more into this situation. His face was devoid of emotion, but his eyes vacillated between dark and light. I gave his hand a squeeze.
“It’s just a dumb school project. It means nothing,” I said.
“I know,” he said. “But does Jax?”
We stopped outside of my next class and stood near the wall, out of the way.
“Yes,” I said. “I’m trying to be his friend again. He’s going to be my brother-in-law in a few months, and I don’t want things to be awkward between us. I’ve told him that. Trust me, he knows how I feel about him. And about you.”
Trent’s posture softened, and he tugged me closer. “I can’t stand how jealous I am of my own brother.”
He momentarily rested his forehead to mine, then captured my lips in a tender kiss. The ringing bell interrupted us, and I pulled back just enough to see his eyes, which were now lighter and sharper.
“I love you,” I said, then walked into class.
THE MORNING FLEW BY, and before I knew it, Trent and I were headed to the cafeteria for lunch. We were early, so our usual table was empty. I claimed it before anyone else could. Trent sat beside me, and we waited for the others to arrive.
Trent took my hand and kissed my palm, his gaze heated. “Love you,” he said.
My heart beat triple time, and I smiled. “What’s all this for?” I asked, twisting so I was facing him.
He did the same, and we sat knee to knee. “No reason.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I know there’s nothing going on between you and Jax, and I’m glad you’re both making an effort to be friends.”
“But?” I raised a brow.
“But after everything that happened between you two, it’s going to take some time for me to be okay with all of this,” he said. “Especially when I know he still has feelings for you.”
“Trent, I—”
Isach plopped down across from us, and I jerked my head in his direction, my eyes wide.
“You lost, Zoya?” Trent asked.
“I’m finally ungrounded,” Isach said. “My father called off his spies, too. Guess I proved myself to the coven.”
“That’s great news,” I said.
Abby would be thrilled to hear that, too, because now she and Isach could officially get back together.
Isach grunted. “I guess.”
He rubbed his hands over his face, and for the first time since he sat down, I realized how exhausted he looked. There were dark circles under his eyes, and his skin was pale. Was he sick, or just really stressed out?
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Trent asked. He put his hand on my leg, and I put my hand over his, lacing our fingers.
“My father’s up to something, and I can’t figure out what,” Isach said.
“Something like bargaining for his soul?” Trent asked, his voice low. “You already told us that.”
“I know.” Isach nodded. “But I’ve been trying to figure out why. He’s lived centuries without it. Why does he suddenly care now?” He shook his head.
Ellie, Nick, Luke, and Whitney arrived then, effectively cutting off our conversation.
“Oh, hey, Isach,” Ellie said, glancing at me for an explanation.
I shrugged. I had no idea what to tell her. And Trent didn’t offer any information, either. The four of them sat around the table.
A moment later, Abby walked in with Wyatt. They were laughing, and she looked happier than I’d seen her in weeks. I momentarily closed my eyes, knowing this probably wasn’t going to end well.
Isach’s jaw ticked, and he narrowed his eyes. Then, slowly, he stood and stalked toward Abby. I spun around to watch whatever was about to happen, ready to intervene if necessary.
“Isach,” Abby said, shocked. “What’re you—”
He slipped one arm around her back, yanking her toward him, and cradled the side of her neck with his other hand. And then he kissed her.
“Whoa,” Ellie whispered and cleared her throat. “I’m, um, going to go, uh, get food.” She got up and left the table, a noticeable smirk on her face. Nick quickly followed her.
I turned back toward Trent in an effort to give Abby and Isach a bit of privacy, even though it was clear Isach wanted everyone to see him kissing Abby. He was staking his claim.
“Point taken, dude,” Wyatt said, hands up in a show of surrender. He walked around the table and sat beside Trent.
“I’m so sorry,” Isach said. “For everything.”
I tried really hard not to eavesdrop, but that was hard to do when they were standing right behind me. And I was nosy. I wanted to know how this was going to work out for them. I was tired of seeing Abby so upset.
“Hey, we’re going to take off,” Abby said over my shoulder. “I’ll be back by final bell.”
“Good luck,” I said
