Read Strength (Mark of Nexus #1) for Free Online Page B

hope of staying attentive, the last slide projected onto the screen. I perked up, embracing my second wind as the professor strode down the center aisle.
    “All right. It’s 11:40 A.M. I’ll give you the last ten minutes to start your homework. You can either do it here or take it—”
    The screech of twenty chairs, as they were pushed back in near-perfect synchronization, interrupted her speech. I gathered my things and crammed them into my messenger bag. With any luck, I could get to the dining hall before the big rush at noon.
    I stood up and hastily buttoned myself into my purple, clearance-special pea coat. It pleated at the waist and had big, funky buttons down the front. I’d gotten it for thirteen dollars after Christmas and wore it like a victory medal.
    I slung my bag over my shoulder and merged into the line for the door. Go, people. I hate loiterers. It’s one thing to have a legitimate reason to hold up the flow of traffic—like, maybe someone is on crutches or something. That’s fine. Well, except for them. It sucks for them. But pausing to have a conversation in the doorway? I blew out an aggravated sigh. Un-ac-cep-ta-ble.
    “A little impatient today?” a smooth voice cut in, interrupting my thoughts.
    Was someone talking to me? I cast a quick glance over my shoulder and found a pair of amused brown eyes taking in my every move. My cheeks burned. “Uh, yeah, I guess.”
    The guy grinned, studying me like he had some kind of divine insight. Laugh lines creased the corners of his eyes, and his warm gaze smoldered. “And it’s only the first day of class, sweetheart. How are we going to make it through fifteen weeks?”
    I blinked. Was this guy for real? Who starts up a conversation like that out of nowhere? I wasn’t shy or anything, but the familiar language was throwing me off. “I guess we’ll have to manage.”
    “Of course we will.” He leaned back against one of the tables as the line started to filter past him. His sandy blond hair was a little on the shaggy side, with stray tufts sticking out beneath his knit cap. Where I’m from, we call it a toboggan, but up here, they call it a beanie. Either way, it worked for him.
    He wore a wrinkled t-shirt with a plaid button-up thrown over top. For some reason, he’d opted to wear a gray scarf but skipped the addition of a winter coat. If he was going for the casual, unkempt look, he’d achieved it.
    I flashed a polite smile and turned around as the line moved forward. That was awkward. At least I’d have something to talk about at lunch.
    When I finally made it out into the hallway, I started booking it for the west doors. Somewhere, there was a tray full of tater tots with my name on it. I needed to take a shortcut.
    “So, what’s your name?”
    “R-Rena.” I flinched as the guy suddenly flanked my side, casually strolling with his hands in his pockets. Curse my little legs and their inability to take long strides!
    He nodded. “Maverick.” I must’ve given him the crazy stare because he went on to continue, “I go by my last name. I mean, if your name was Johan, wouldn’t you?”
    “Okay.” I laughed, shaking my head. “I’ll give you that one.”
    He grinned, jumping ahead to open the thick, metal door. “Ladies first.”
    “Thank you.” I squinted at the bright snow, feeling slightly disoriented as we made our way down the sidewalk. “Johan, huh?”
    He shrugged. “My grandfather was Swiss.”
    “That’s cool.” I shoved my hands into my pockets and tromped through the bank of snow that separated me from the parking lot. I’d sacrifice comfort for my tots.
    “You going to the dining hall?” He followed without blinking as I ventured off path.
    The cold soaked into my pant legs, and I shivered.
    “Yeah, I’m supposed to meet my friends.” Hint. Leave.
    “Cool, cool. I’ve got time to kill. Mind if I tag along?” He put a hand behind my back and steered me around a parked SUV. “Of course you don’t, angel.