Eden

I shove past her and leave her talking to the bulletin board as I go into the classroom.

When I first walk in, I’m so distracted, I don’t even notice Saint until I’m nearly to my seat. I look up and meet his hard gaze, and with a start, realize he’s not sitting in his usual chair. For some godforsaken reason, he’s moved to the desk next to mine, and Gabe’s sitting beside him, his flaming red head lowered to the screen of his phone.

What the hell?

Before I can say anything, I hear quick footsteps behind me and turn in time to see Laurel slinking into the room. She pauses at the door, her face scrunching in confusion as she gazes toward her usual seat, and then her eyes scan the space. When they land on Saint, they pop wide in clear surprise. Her cheeks grow red as she fully comprehends what’s going on and her upper lip quivers. She stares at him for a long time before she raises her chin and marches to her seat, pretending as if everything is fine.

I turn my attention back to Saint. He’s gazing at me, but he doesn’t say a word as I slowly make my way to my seat. We keep our eyes locked together, but silence rests heavy between us. His face is an impassive mask, and I can’t tell if he’s still angry from this morning.

I mean, I know I am, but I try not to let it show because I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of knowing he has such a lingering effect on me.

As I settle in my seat, I realize that someone is missing. Liam. Thinking back, I don’t recall seeing him in any of our shared classes today. It’s strange, because for all his moodiness and troubled artist façade, he’s a diligent student. I don’t think he’s missed any classes I’ve been in with him yet—not even last semester.

I peek back at Saint, who isn’t looking at me anymore and worry wiggles in my gut. He wouldn’t have done something to Liam, would he?

No. I shake my head as if that’ll banish the thought. No, that’s impossible. Saint wouldn’t do anything to one of his best friends.

Even if that friend helped him conceal a body, which is a crime.

Even if that friend wasn’t making it a secret that he was interested in me, the girl Saint had staked a clear and forceful claim to.

That wiggle in my stomach turns into a knot.

I’m being ridiculous. Saint wouldn’t hurt Liam.

Right?