I take a seat at the kitchen Island and start putting berries into my bowl.
 
 Anton turns his back to me, seeming lost in thought as he pours us both a coffee.
 
 “Fine.” He sets a mug down in front of me. “But you’re taking Yakov with you.”
 
 “Yakov?”
 
 “He’s one of my men.”
 
 “You’re giving me a bodyguard?”
 
 “It’s a fair compromise.”
 
 I groan as I think of all the attention I’m going to get from my classmates when some hulking great Russian dude is following me around everywhere.
 
 “I can come and go as I please as long as Yakov comes too?”
 
 Anton nods, leaning against the island as he clutches his coffee mug.
 
 “Like I said, fair compromise.”
 
 I sigh, reaching for my coffee. “Fine. Tell your lackey that we leave at seven.”
 
 There’sno way that Yakov is going to blend in among a building full of ballerinas. He’s easily six foot five, with a shaved head, multiple eyebrow piercings and hands covered in tattoos that make him look rough as hell.
 
 I decide to sit in the back of the Range Rover he picks me up in and put my headphones on so I can avoid any uncomfortable conversation as we drive into the city.
 
 On my way there, I quickly message my group chat, letting them know I’ll be there soon.
 
 Emma:SHE’S ALIVE?!?!
 
 Beatrice:I was starting to get worried…
 
 Allie:Bring coffee x
 
 I groanas I read Allie’s message. I had completely forgotten that it was my turn to provide the caffeine. “Hey, Yakov. Can we make a quick stop?”
 
 At quarter to eight, Yakov pulls into a parking spot outside the IOD, and I immediately spy Emma hanging around outside. Ourexam doesn’t start until nine, but we wanted to have plenty of time to warm up beforehand.
 
 Emma’s eyes light up as I approach with the container of coffees.
 
 “Uh, who’s the hottie with all the muscles?”
 
 “He’s my, uh…security,” I mutter.
 
 Emma’s blue eyes look like they’re about to pop out of their sockets, so I hand her a latte to distract her. “My father’s decided to get all super protective. He reads too much news.”
 
 “Well, I must say I’m very grateful for the eye candy.” She winks at Yakov.
 
 I turn, and a faint blush is staining Yakov’s cheek.
 
 I fight a smile.
 
 “But what happened to the other hottie from last night? Please tell me you got some.”
 
 “I, uh…” I glance around for any sign of Beatrice and Allie.
 
 “Oh, my god, you so did!” Emma squeals, slapping me on the shoulder. “Was it good?”