The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 154

Chapter 154

ASTRA

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“What do you think you’re doing?” I said, slapping Zane’s hand away from my eyes as I whirled around to glare at him.

He didn’t even flinch. Just stood there looking far too pleased with himself, that tiny tilt at the corner of his full lips giving him away.

“What?” he said, all innocent. “I’m just making sure my Trouble doesn’t see things like that. I don’t want your innocent mind getting corrupted.”

My mouth fell open.

“Innocent mind?” I sputtered, cheeks burning. “What made you think I’m so innocent? Do you think I’ve never seen…”

I stopped myself so fast my teeth clicked.

The truth was… of course I hadn’t. Not really. Maybe a grand total of two very awkward attempts at watching porn in my life, and I’d closed the tab within three minutes both times, face on fire. But Zane definitely didn’t need to know that.

He raised one eyebrow, clearly catching my hesitation. That smug little smirk grew.

“Never seen what, Star?” he asked, stepping closer, voice dropping into that teasing rumble. “Go on. Finish that sentence.”

I backed up until my shoulders hit the wall, heart racing. “None of your business!”

He braced one hand beside my head, leaning in just enough that I could feel the warmth of his body without him actually touching me.

“Mm. So you have seen things,” he murmured, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Interesting.”

“I didn’t say that!”

“You didn’t have to.” His gaze dropped to my lips for a second before flicking back up. “Your face is doing all the talking. It’s cute how red you get when you’re lying.”

“I am not lying,” I hissed, even as my cheeks felt like they were on fire. “And stop looking at me like that!”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re picturing me watching… stuff.”

His smirk turned downright wicked. “Too late. Already doing it.”

“Zane!”

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9:58 Fri, Jul 24

Chapter 154

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He laughed softly, the sound warm and far too pleased. “Relax, Trouble. I’m not judging. Just… surprised.” He tilted his head, studying me like I was a puzzle he was enjoying too much. “So what exactly did innocent little Astra watch? Let me guess. Something vanilla. Maybe a little…”

I slapped a hand over his mouth before he could finish.

His eyes widened in genuine surprise, then crinkled with laughter against my palm.

“Don’t you dare,” I warned, face burning. “I will actually kill you.”

He gently pulled my hand away, still grinning. “You’re adorable when you’re embarrassed.”

“I hate you.”

“Mmm.” He leaned in closer, voice dropping to a whisper. “Your face says otherwise.”

I opened my mouth to argue again, but the words died when I realized how close we were. His scent wrapped around me.

Gosh, why did he have to smell so good.

Zane’s gaze softened just a fraction, but the smirk stayed.

“Tell me the truth,” he murmured. “How innocent are we really talking here?”

My heart slammed against my ribs.

I was saved by the distant sound of the string quartet swelling again, reminding me we were still at the party.

I ducked under his arm and stepped back, trying to regain some dignity. “We should go back before someone notices we’re missing.”

Zane didn’t move for a second. He just watched me, then he just smiled.

“After you, Star.”

I turned and started walking, cheeks still flaming, very aware of him following right behind me.

And even more aware of the fact that he was definitely not going to let this go.

We slipped back into the ballroom just as the next set was starting.

Tyler spotted Zane immediately and grinned like an idiot. “There you are! I see you two are done making out in the hallway.”

I rolled my eyes. “We were not…”

But he was already grabbing Zane’s arm, dragging him toward the dance floor with the rest of the team. “Doesn’t matter, Captain. It’s our turn!”

Zane shot me one last look over his shoulder, that annoyingly handsome smile still playing on his lips, before

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9:58 Fri, Jul 24

Chapter 154

41

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he let himself be pulled away.

I stood there, cheeks red as a tomato, watching as a different group of boys took the floor again.

Zane stepped into position opposite another student, resting one hand lightly at her waist as the dance carried them into the first figure.

Something twisted low beneath my ribs.

I looked away quickly, pressing a hand to my stomach.

*What is that?*

Probably indigestion.

Definitely indigestion.

I didn’t care who he danced with. I shouldn’t. I had no right to feel… whatever this was.

Shaking my head, I headed toward the side tables where I’d left my small purse earlier, right next to the gift bag Jason had given me. I needed a second to breathe.

The moment I opened my purse, my broken phone screen lit up.

Two missed calls.

Both from the night nurse at the hospital.

My heart lurched into my throat.

I grabbed the phone and rushed out of the noisy ballroom, pushing through the side doors until the music faded behind me. The cool night air hit my face as I reached the quieter area near the gates.

With shaking fingers, I called the nurse back.

She picked up on the second ring.

“Astra?”

“Yes, it’s me,” I said quickly, voice tight. “Is my mom okay? I saw the missed calls…”

“Calm down, sweetheart,” the nurse said gently. “She’s fine. She was just asking for you earlier. She wanted to talk, but she’s already asleep now. We tried calling a couple times, but it went to voicemail.”

I let out a shaky breath, leaning against the stone wall. “She’s really okay?”

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