Page 29 of The Prince of Broken Crowns

I realize everyone else has one out, as well. Why I didn’t think of that is beyond me. I have one back in my dorm. It’s old and worn, but at least it’s functional.

“Crap, I forgot my computer,” I mumble then move to stand up.

He snags a hold of the hem of my shirt, his fingers grazing my flesh.

If I thought I felt butterflies when he touched my arm after we crashed into each other, I was wrong. Because holy fluttering monarchs, does my stomach erupt with flutters to the point where I startle.

“Sorry.” He quickly jerks back.

“You’re fine.” I think.

I don’t know …

What the hell was that?

“Sorry,” he replies again, in a much more even tone. “I was just going to say that if you’re late to this class, Professor Madella will make a big deal about it in front of everyone.”

Grimacing, I lower back down into the chair. “That’s the last thing I want.”

“I assumed so.”

“Why?”

He lifts a shoulder. “You just seem like the type who doesn’t like to draw attention, even though you do.” He stares down at the keyboard of his laptop.

“Yeah, I know. I reek of northside, don’t I?” I sink back into the chair with a heavy sigh.

“No, that’s not it.” He avoids eye contact with me as he boots up his laptop.

“What is it, then?” I question then add dryly, “My charming personality?”

He rubs his lips together, on the verge of smiling again. “You say that like you’re joking, but it’s kind of true.”

I put the end of my pen to my lip. “Only kind of, huh?”

His smile breaks through, but he hastily wipes it away as a guy with brown hair steps up in front of us and clears his throat. He’s cute with full lips and the greenest eyes I’ve ever seen. He also seems vaguely familiar.

“I hate to break up this little moment, but I need the keys to the car. I left my bag in the trunk the other day.” He sneaks a curious glance in my direction.

It takes me a moment to connect where I’ve seen him—he was the guy who waved at me while I was running.

River pats his pockets then fishes out a set of keys. “Just make sure to lock it up.” All of his humor is gone. He’s not rude or anything like that; merely guarded.

The guy offers him a tense smile then looks at me. “You’re the new girl, right?”

“The one and only,” I tell him. “I prefer to be called Maddy, though, not new girl.”

“I’ll make a mental note of that.” He starts down the aisle. “I’m Noah, but I’m sure you’ve already heard of me.” He doesn’t wait for me to respond as he exits the classroom.

“That’s your stepbrother,” I state as the name clicks.

“Yep,” he mutters while staring down at his hands.

I sense some tension there. “You two don’t get along?”

“We’re just not friends.” He slants back in his chair, crosses his arms, and stares straight ahead. And there’s the broody, quiet guy whom I first saw in jail.

I decide to let the conversation drop, but I’m curious what’s behind the tension. My best bet is the fact that Noah’s mom had an affair with River, Finn, and Lily’s dad, which led to the divorce and remarriage.

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