MARIA POV
**Ciccio’s. Now,” I announced. “I need coffee before I commit a felony.”**
Dax chuckled. “You’re so f*****g hot when you threaten people.”
Henry grinned. “Yeah, babe. I think I need to **reward** you later.”
I rolled my eyes, but my heart was pounding, my protective instincts still roaring inside me.
By the time we reached Ciccio’s, I was still fuming. Mr. Brooke and his disgusting comments were stuck in my head, and Sherry’s smug little smirk made me want to claw someone’s face off. But coffee. Coffee first, and then I’d decide who deserved my wrath.
The place was packed with students, the usual morning rush, but we found a free booth in the back. I was about to sit when I noticed who was behind the counter. **James.**
He was taking an order, not even glancin
