Courtney pushed the heavy wooden door open, her heart hammering in her chest. Of course, of all days, she had to be late on the first morning of Professor Hunter’s class. Everyone had warned her about him. Don’t be late. Don’t speak unless spoken to. And never, ever think you’re smarter than he is.

Her boots clicked on the floor as thirty pairs of eyes turned toward her. And then—his.

Professor Hunter Maxwell.

He stood at the front of the lecture hall, tall, immaculately dressed in ...