Chapter 121
Astrid POV
The next day, Nate and Briana showed me their house, and I was surprised to notice that the property was huge. They had over a dozen horses, and Fred was into breeding them. There were racehorses that were rented by the racing buffs. Not only that, my uncle, Fred, loved racing and had taken several of
his stallions on the racecourses.
We headed to the town next. There was just one mall and a few boutiques. I bought a few clothes and tried my best not to remember mom and dad, but was that possible? Every time I looked at myself in the mirror, I saw just how much I resembled them. My red hair was from my father, but my green eyes were my moms family trait. Depression set it.
Astrid! Brianas voice broke my reverie. Theres a diner just down the road. How about we have dinner over there?
I dont knowI sighed.
Briana came to me and touched my shoulder. Im so sorry for your loss, Astrid, but you have to move on.
I looked at her through blurry eyes. You know, for a seventeen-year-old, you are an old soul.
She laughed. Everyone says that. Come on. Nate is waiting in the car. He is hungry!
The car stopped in front of the diner, the exterior of which was lit with fairy lights. While shutting the door, Briana discussed the top dish available here, but my thoughts were consumed by yesterdays dream. I saw a man in my room whose eyes were amber. Moonlight cast shadows on his face, partially obscuring his features, but highlighting his square chin, which had a cleft. I wrapped my arms around myself as a shiver ran down my body.
I was losing it. It was official. I needed to calm down and get my sit together.
Fooooddd! Nate practically sang as we entered the diner.
The small and quaint diner had peeling blue booths, and a twangy music was playing from the jukebox. There were a few old and weathered paintings on the wall. The place wasnt packed, with only a handful of individuals sitting together or enjoying their solitude.
As we sat down, a young server came over. She looked at me with disinterest. What can I get for you, Brin? she asked, handing her the menu.
Oh, we are gonna order the usual, Briana said. Three chicken burgers with extra cheese and fries on the side.
Any toppings?
Nope.
As soon as she left, Nate tapped his fingers on the table. I bet Astrid these are the best burgers youve ever had in your life! While he kept talking, found myself completely distracted by the entrance of a striking, six-foot-something man with a muscular build and dark hair. His hair fell over his forehead and his dark gaze was searching for someone. He was followed by two more boys, both of them as brawny as him. One looked like his twin because he had features like him except for the
Fk.
He had a square jaw with a cleft.
My breath hitched when our gazes met. Throat paper dry, I licked my lips and felt like I was a creep. Immediately, I tore my gaze away
Brianas eyes also landed on the three boys, and she sighed.
15:53 Wed, 19 Jun
Chapter 121
Do you know these guys? I asked in a voice much breathier than I meant it to be.
Everyone knows them, she replied with another sigh.
Not wanting to sound like a total jerk, I asked in a dry voice. Who are they?
They are on every girls dream list. They are on our football team. The twins are Kael and Toren Hanks, while that blond Aiden Nord is their cousin. She lowered her voice. Ive heard hes royalty, Kael is our captain.
Wow. But I wanted to know more. However, I couldnt ask as my gaze followed them to where they sat. How do you tell the twins apart? I asked, not sounding needy. Definitely not.
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.
That guy who is looking at us is Kael, while the other two facing him are Aiden and Toren.
Kael, I murmured his name and just as I did that, his eyes met mine. The pounding of my heart echoed in my ribcage, as if it were trying to break free and create chaos. His dark eyes were so piercing, it was as if they wanted to reach my soul.
My lips parted and my whole body flushed. It was a response that I had never felt before.
Thank Gd, we got all your books! Nate said, finding our conversation boring.
Yeah, Briana replied.
The waitress came with our burgers. You starting with the academy tomorrow? she asked.
Surprised, I stared at her. How did she know?
She chuckled. Ah, dont worry. I just overheard youll, she winked. After serving us, she sauntered towards the boys. Leaning over their table, she lowered her voice to a husky level and asked, What would the boys want today? I can lie on the table and be your dinner.
What the fk. Rage simmered in my chest. I felt like getting up and grabbing her hair and throwing her on the ground. While Aiden and Toren laughed, Kael stared at me, his lips lifting into a smirk.
S i t. h i t. h i t.
Dont even think about them, Astrid, Briana warned me. Kael has a steady girlfriend, Tracy. Shes the leader of the cheerleading team. And she is very possessive of him. Trust me, Ive heard stories of her getting aggressive and hitting other girls who have looked at him. Shes a mean bh. So, Astrid, get a grip. Its just a guy.
I spread sauce inside my burger and took a large bite. Whatever dude. I dont care. But that wasnt the truth. Thad seen so many guys before, but Kael- his gaze, his demeanor had me completely discombobulated.
Nate picked up his ck and drawled, Brin is right. You got a great GPA. Just focus on studying Astrid. The entire football team is full of a s s h o l e s. Kael, Toren and Aiden being the biggest ones. They eat girls for dinner.
Achuckled Why are you guys assuming that Im into them? They are useless for me. Ill be leaving this town and going to college in a few months. Ive already filled out college applications, and I am waiting for their replies, So chill, okay!
Nate barked a laugh, and in doing so, he knocked his coke. The liquid spilled across the table, landing on my shirt and shorts. D a m n! I hissed.
Sorry! Nate apologized. I dont know-
G o d s, Nate. You are so clumsy! Briana scolded Him.
Wheres the bathroom? I asked, picking up a paper napkin and wiping the coke from my shirt
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Chapter 121
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She pointed towards the left as she scooted out of the booth. I followed her directions to the bathroom, passing Kael and others, feeling embarrassed. Ast soon as I was inside, I closed the door and let out a rough exhale. Come on, Astrid! I chided myself. Its not like you havent seen guys. I took my shirt out and put it under the dryer. Focus. Focus. Focus.
A knock on the door sounded. I knew it was Briana. The moment I opened it, a wave of shock washed over me. My brain ceased to function, my body turned rigid, and my mouth hung open in disbelief. I tilted my head back, meeting the intense and ominous gaze of Kael Hanks. He leaned against the doorframe, watching me. Did he just lean towards me and sniff the air? Man, I had officially gone insane. Why would anyone do that His intense gaze raked my body, and my nipples puckered.
Suddenly, I became aware of my situation. I was standing in front of him in a bra and shorts.
You okay? he asked, staring at me with the same intensity.
I didnt know why the air suddenly turned so warm. Was it because my body heated or because the room was too small for us? Embarrassed as hell, I spun away from him and wore my shirt.
Yeah! I breathed. My mind had short-circuited.
When I turned to leave, he didnt budge from his place. G o d s above! How could a man be so handsome that he could make you forget the universe?
He held his hand out. Im Kael.
I blinked as I looked at her perfect, long fingers and those corded muscles in his forearms, and also that tattoo that hid under his shirts sleeve. Somehow, I found my voice and whispered, Astrid, and took his hand. Jolts of electricity ran down my arm, all the way to my toes, curling them. He didnt let go of my hand as he squeezed it, making me a prisoner of his gaze.
Nice meeting you, Astrid, he said, leaning forward. The way he uttered my name, as if he was caressing each syllable.
I really had to get out of here before I made a fool of myself in front of him.