Page 3 of The Bratva's Virgin Bride

“Hey, Ri.”

“Hey girls, it's good to see you,” I say with a small smile. I set my binder on the table and hang my backpack over the back of my chair.

“Where have you been? You've missed so many classes,” Jordan says. “And exams start soon.”

“Don't remind me,” I say with a pout. “Gwen collected notes for all my classes. I just need to go through them.”

“She wouldn't say where you were either,” Sasha points out. “Oh, there's mine and Jordan's coffee. Be right back. Do not discuss anything without me.”

We all giggle as Sasha rushes to get the coffees and brings them back. “Where were you? Like, I've never known you to skip class.”

“I had to go away for a family emergency,” I say, trying to sound lighthearted. “It turned out not to be as serious as I thought, so I came back early.”

“Oh, I'm sorry to hear that,” Jordan says before she sips her coffee. “Is there anything we can do to help? Want to study together?”

“No, it's okay,” I say quietly. Our coffee order is called out, and Brit goes to fetch it. When she comes back, she hands me mine and sips her own.

“Well,” Sasha says. “The latest is that Professor Wing is having a little affair with that blonde girl, Carrie.”

The girls lean in, all exchanging gasps of horror.

I look at her, puzzled. “Which one is Carrie?”

“The one who always sits right up front. Probably so he can see her legs,” Sasha giggles. “Apparently, they've beenspending a lot of late nights and weekends together going over exam prep.”

“I'm sure it's prep of some kind,” Jordan jokes.

They all laugh and I force a smile. There's nothing funny about the situation to me. Not after everything that's happened. I sip my coffee quietly as the talk turns to the cute boys in class. Luckily, I'm not required to take part, so I simply listen. I'm lost in thought when Brit touches my arm and I jump lightly.

“Sorry, what?” I ask.

“We asked who you think the cuter boy is—Roger or Daniel,” she repeats.

“Oh, I don't like either,” I admit. I can't really recall what they look like, and Brit gives me a strange look.

“Are you okay?” she asks. “You seem a little spaced out.”

“A little stressed about exams.” It's all I can think to say. “Sorry, I totally zoned out.” I get up with my coffee.

“Where are you going? You don't have to meet Gwen until lunchtime.”

“I want to see if I can find Professor Stein and get the class notes for Domestic Politics.” It's a lie, but I need to get out of here before the questions become too much. Truth be told, Gwen has gotten all my notes for me, but it might not hurt to check in with my lecturers. After all, I just disappeared without a word. They probably think I dropped out.

“I'll see you all later,” I say.

I walk out amid their protests and head back toward campus. I then walk to my professor's door and check his consulting hours. He isn't consulting now, so that plan is blown out of the water.

“Riley. What a pleasure to see you,” Professor Stein says from behind me. “You've been missing from class.”

I turn around and smile graciously. “I had a family emergency. I'm so sorry I didn't let you know. It was all so sudden.”

“I'm sorry to hear that,” Professor Stein says. “Is everything sorted?”

“Yes, Sir, everything is fine. It turned out not to be as serious as we first thought. Gwen did collect notes for me, but I just wanted to know if there's anything special you may have mentioned that I should look at for the exams?” I ask.

“I have a list in my office,” he says. “Come with me.”

He unlocks the door and heads in. I hesitate to go in. I don't do well with small spaces anymore and his office is tiny. I take a shaky breath and walk in, waiting in front of his desk as he prints off what I'll need.

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