Chapter 351: The Hang Of Things

Class the next day was a totally different experience. Now that I had Liam and Sashenka with me, no one stared, or at least didn't stare for long. And I was able to escape the front row and Blanche Rhodes's attention by arriving early enough and hiding in the back with my friends beside me.

I ducked when I found her gaze searching for me and almost laughed at the sad little frown on her face. Liam poked me with a grin when the coast was clear.

He'd met us for breakfast and instantly apologized the moment he sat down.

"I was wrong," he said, eyes begging me to forgive him, big hands holding one of mine. "I just hate seeing him hurt you."

"I'm sorry too," I said. "It's not your fault he's a jerk sometimes."

I quickly introduced him to Sashenka who sat next to me, a small smile on her face. She seemed shy when he shook her hand, and I understood why. My Gatekeeper friend was pretty darned handsome and all that genuine sweetness oozing out of him could do a number on a girl.

I had a