Lexi blinked, then forced a broad smile. "Hi, I'm Lexi Freed, first-year medical student." She stretched out her hand, trying to ignore the awkward tension.
Reg's eyes raked over her, slow and deliberate just as Lexi did too. Her unbuttoned checkered shirt hung loosely over a black tube top, the silver necklace resting against her collarbone gleaming in the dim light.
A dragon tattoo spread teasingly between her cleavage, just visible beneath the edge of the tube top.
Lexi tried to keep her eyes from drifting down again, but the toned, muscled abs weren't helping.
The belly button ring stood out as another bold detail, adding to the aura of confidence Reg exuded.
At six feet tall, Reg towered over Lexi's 5'4" frame. Without a word, she turned and strolled back into the room, leaving Lexi's hand hanging awkwardly in the air.
Lexi withdrew her hand, her jaw tightening. "So much for new roommates," she muttered under her breath, pulling her suitcase inside.
The tension only thickened as she entered. Rhea, another stunning presence, lounged on Reg's bed in nothing but panties, looking as if she owned the place.
"Aren't you going to leave, Rhea? I have a guest," Reg said, her tone calm yet firm.
Rhea's expression soured, her posture stiffening. "What is she? Your new... thing?"
Lexi frowned, her discomfort mounting as she rolled her suitcase to the side.
"Do I need to say it in Italian?" Reg shot Rhea a pointed look.
Rhea let out an exaggerated huff, grabbing her top and throwing it on over her head.
She slipped into her denim shorts and boots, sending Reg an icy glare as she flipped her the middle finger.
"Screw you," she muttered, storming toward the door.
But just as she reached it, she paused, her bravado faltering. She glanced over her shoulder, her voice softening. "Please call me," she said, almost pleading.
Reg didn't respond, offering only a fleeting side glance before Rhea slammed the door behind her.
Silence fell over the dim room for a beat before Reg's voice broke through.
"Your room's on the other side."
Lexi flinched, realizing she'd been staring. Her face flushed as she grabbed her suitcase and hurried toward the door.
"Right. Thank you," she stammered, her voice trailing off.