The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53

Chapter 53

ASTRA

“You’re mine, Astra.

The words wouldn’t stop echoing in my head.

“You’re mine, Astra.

“You’re mine, Astra.

They followed me through the rest of my shift like a sick, possessive mantra. I messed up three orders, spilled a drink, and nearly dropped an entire tray of wings because my mind kept drifting back to the back alley.

To Zane’s mouth on mine.

To the way he’d pinned me against the wall and kissed me like he wanted to devour my soul.

To the way I’d whimpered and kissed him back.

I hated myself for it.

After he left me standing there, well-kissed, trembling, and so wet I didn’t know what to do with myself, I’d taken a few minutes to compose myself. Splashed cold water on my face in the staff bathroom. Tried to fix my ponytail. Tried to pretend I wasn’t still throbbing between my legs.

When I finally went back inside, he was gone.

Thank God.

But the damage was done.

Now, hours later, I was walking from the bus stop toward St. Mary’s Hospital, legs heavy, heart heavier. The evening sky was turning bruised purple, and the city lights were starting to flicker on.

“Why did I let him kiss me?”

The thought kept stabbing at me.

I disliked him. No, I hated him. With every fiber of my being. He’d bullied me for years, still calls me Trash-tra. Made me feel small and worthless. And yet the second he grabbed me and kissed me like that… I melted.

Didn’t I have any self-respect?

Was I really that pathetic?

I pushed the thoughts away as hard as I could when I stepped through the hospital doors. The familiar smell of antiseptic and stale coffee hit me. A nurse I knew, Nurse Maria smiled at me from the station.

“Hey, Astra. Your mom’s been asking about you today.”

Relief hit me so hard my knees almost buckled.

She remembered me.

I smiled back, small and grateful. “Thank you.”

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Chapter 53

I walked down the hallway, heart racing for an entirely different reason now When I reached Mom’s room. I paused for a second outside the door, taking a deep breath.

Then I pushed it open.

Mom was sitting up in bed, propped against pillows, looking out the window at the city lights. A half-read book rested in her lap. When she heard the door, she turned her head.

Her eyes lit up.

“Baby,” she said softly, voice warm and full of recognition. “There you are.”

Crushing relief flooded through me.

Tears stung my eyes as I rushed forward and wrapped my arms around her, burying my face in her shoulder. She smelled like hospital soap and the faint lavender lotion I’d brought her a few weeks ago.

“I’m here,” I whispered, voice cracking. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

She hugged me back, thin arms surprisingly strong. “It’s okay, sweetheart. I know you’re working hard.”

For a few minutes, everything else disappeared.

No Zane.

No confusing kisses.

No shame.

Just me and Mom.

She pulled back slightly and brushed a strand of hair from my face, studying me with soft eyes.

“You look tired,” she said gently. “And… something’s different. Did something happen?”

I forced a smile, shaking my head.

“Nothing important,” I lied. “Just a long day at the school away game yesterday and work.”

She didn’t look fully convinced, but she let it go, squeezing my hand.

“Tell me about the game,” she said, smiling. “Did your team win?”

I laughed softly, the sound shaky but real, and settled beside her on the bed.

For the next hour, I let myself forget everything else.

But deep down, I knew I couldn’t run from it forever.

Zane wasn’t going to let me.

“Yes, yes, I’m fine,” I laughed softly into the phone as I stepped out of the hospital, the cool evening air brushing against my flushed cheeks. “Mom had a really good day today. She even remembered the spring rolls I brought last time.”

Jason’s warm, velvety British accent wrapped around me like a gentle hug through the speaker.

“That’s brilliant, love. I’m glad. You sound lighter already.”

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Chapter 53

I smiled, adjusting my bag on my shoulder as I walked toward the bus stop. Talking to Jason always felt safe. Easy Like I could breathe again after drowning in Zane’s intensity.

“Yeah, I do feel better,” 1 admitted. “It’s been a long couple of days.”

There was a short, comfortable pause before he spoke again, his voice dropping into that smooth, flirty tone that always made my stomach flutter.

“So… what time do you close at The Gridiron tomorrow?”

I blinked, a little surprised by the question.

“Um… usually around 8 or 9. Why?”

He chuckled lowly, the sound sending a warm shiver down my spine.

“Because I was thinking… maybe you could close early tomorrow? Say, around 6? I’d love to see you. Properly. Not just quick chats between tables.”

My cheeks heated instantly.

“Early? I don’t know if I can… I mean, I usually stay until closing. The tips are better at night.”

“Come on, Astra,” he said, voice teasing and smooth. “You deserve a break. Let me pick you up. We can grab something to eat, walk around a bit. I’ll show you my place if you want. Or we can go somewhere else. Whatever you like.”

I bit my lip, heart racing for an entirely different reason now.

“You’ll come pick me up?”

“Of course,” he replied, that sexy accent making the words sound even better. “I’ll be there at 6 sharp. Just say yes, love.”

I hesitated for half a second, Zane’s dark green eyes flashing in my mind.

But then I pushed the thought away.

Jason was safe.

Jason was kind.

Jason didn’t pin me against walls and kiss me until I forgot how to breathe.

“Yes,” I said softly, smiling. “I’d like that.”

His laugh was warm and pleased. “Perfect. Can’t wait to see you tomorrow, beautiful.”

We said our goodbyes, and I hung up, cheeks still warm, a small, genuine smile tugging at my lips for the first time all day.

Maybe tomorrow would be better.

Maybe I could forget about Zane for a few hours.

Maybe I could pretend I was just a normal girl… going on a maybe date with a nice boy.

A small smile still playing on my lips as I walked toward the bus station. The streets were dimly lit, the evening air cool against my skin.

But as I turned the corner onto the quieter street leading to the bus stop, I felt a weird prickling sensation behind me.

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Chapter 53

The back of my neck tingled.

Like someone was watching me.

I slowed down slightly, glancing over my shoulder.

Nothing.

Just empty sidewalk, a few parked cars, and the distant hum of traffic. I shook my head, telling myself I was being paranoid because of everything that had happened.

I kept walking, hugging my bag tighter to my chest.

But the feeling didn’t go away.

It got stronger.

My heartbeat picked up. I turned again, scanning the shadows behind me.

Still nothing.

“You’re just tired, Astra. Stop it.”

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