The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Chapter 56

ASTRA

Sunday Morning

“Have fun guys,” I said softly, forcing a smile as I waved at Lucas and Mason.

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The twins looked adorable in their matching designer outfits, tiny polo shirts and shorts that probably cost more than my entire wardrobe. Elira stood beside them in an elegant cream sundress and heels, looking like she’d just stepped out of a luxury magazine. A sleek black Rolls Royce waited in the driveway, their personal driver holding the door open.

“Bye Astra!” Lucas shouted, waving wildly.

They were going to the yacht club with their mom.

Mason gave me a small, shy smile and a little wave before climbing in.

Elira turned to me with her usual graceful smile. “We’ll be back by evening. Make sure you eat something, dear. You’ve been working too hard.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied quietly.

I watched them drive off, the expensive car gliding smoothly down the long driveway until it disappeared behind the massive estate gates.

The house felt quieter once they were gone.

I went back inside, grabbed my backpack, and headed downstairs again. My eyes landed on my poor scooter parked near the side entrance.

I sighed, gently patting the seat.

“Don’t worry, Luna,” I whispered. “You’ll get fixed soon. I promise.”

I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and started the long walk out of the Ashton estate. The gate was already open for deliveries, so I slipped through and began heading down the quiet, tree-lined road toward the bus station.

My mind was still a mess from last night.

I hadn’t seen him at all this morning, and part of me was relieved. The other part…

I pushed the thought away.

I was almost at the end of the private road when I heard the low purr of an engine behind me.

A sleek black car slowed down and stopped right beside me.

My heart jumped into my throat.

The passenger window rolled down.

Zane was in the driver’s seat, one hand on the wheel, looking unfairly good in a black t-shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders. His split lip was still slightly swollen.

“Get in,” he said, voice low and commanding.

I froze on the sidewalk.

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Chapter 56

“I.. I’m going to work.” I mumbled, clutching my bag strap tighter. “The bus is fine.”

Zane’s green eyes darkened as they dragged over me slowly.

“I said get in, Astra.”

The way he said my name, not Trash-tra, but Astra made something flutter nervously in my stomach.

I hesitated for a few seconds, cheeks warming under his intense stare.

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Then, because arguing with Zane Ashton had never ended well for me, I opened the door and climbed into the passenger

seat.

The inside of the car smelled like him.

As soon as I closed the door, he started driving.

I could feel his eyes on me every few seconds but I kept my gaze fixed on the road ahead, heart racing, wondering what the hell I had just gotten myself into.

The silence in the car was suffocating.

Zane’s hand rested on the gear shift, knuckles tight, while his green eyes kept flicking toward me every few seconds. I kept my gaze glued to the road, trying to ignore how his scent filled the entire space and how aware I was of his presence beside

My phone suddenly vibrated in my lap.

I glanced down.

Jason Calling.

My eyes went wide.

Oh.

I quickly declined the call, heart racing.

Zane noticed. Of course he did.

The phone rang again almost immediately.

I cut it once more, cheeks burning.

Zane’s grip on the steering wheel tightened.

When it rang for the third time, I sighed and answered, keeping my voice low.

“Hello?”

Jason’s warm, smooth came through the speaker, sounding cheerful.

“Good morning, love. Am I calling at a bad time?”

I shifted uncomfortably in the seat, very aware of Zane sitting right next to me.

“Um…. no, it’s okay,” I said softly.

We hit a bit of morning traffic, and the car slowed down. Zane’s eyes were burning into the side of my face now.

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Jason continued, voice playful, “Hope you slept well?”

“Yes… what about you?”

“I did,” he said, a smile clear in his tone. “But I dreamt about you, actually. Kept waking up with this ridiculous smile on my face.”

I couldn’t help it, a small giggle slipped out.

“So…” Jason continued, “are we still on for today? I’ll pick you up at six.”

I bit down hard on my lip.

“Um… I don’t know yet. I’ll have to see if Carla will let me leave before six. I’ll text you later?”

“Perfect,” Jason replied warmly. “Can’t wait to see you, beautiful. Have a good shift.”

“Bye,” I whispered and quickly hung up.

The silence that followed was deadly.

Zane didn’t say anything for a long moment. The car moved forward slowly in traffic, but the air between us felt like it was about to explode.

Then, in a low, dangerous voice, he finally spoke.

“Who the fuck is picking you up at six?”

My heart hammered wildly. I gripped my phone tighter in my lap, fingers trembling.

I could lie.

I could say it was Priya or Jade or anyone else.

But something in his tone told me he already knew… or would find out.

I swallowed hard.

“It’s… Jason,” I whispered, barely audible.

The car seemed to get even quieter.

Zane’s knuckles turned white on the steering wheel.

“Jason,” he repeated slowly, like the name tasted poisonous. “The British boy.”

I nodded slightly, staring down at my hands.

“He asked if I could finish early today… and if I wanted to hang out after my shift.”

Zane didn’t respond immediately.

The tension in the car became almost unbearable. I could feel the anger rolling off him in waves.

He let out a low, dangerous laugh that sent chills down my spine.

“So you’re going on a little date with him?” His voice was deceptively soft. “After I had my tongue down your throat last night? After you were shaking and wet against my door?”

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My face burned with humiliation.

“It’s not a date.” I mumbled weakly. “He’s just… nice to me.”

Zane suddenly swerved into a side street and slammed on the brakes, stopping the car abruptly.

He turned to face me fully, green eyes blazing with pure possessiveness.

“Nice to you,” he repeated, voice dripping with venom. “You let that fucker flirt with you, giggle for him on the phone like a shy little girl, while my hand was around your neck less than twelve hours ago?”

I pressed myself back against the seat, heart racing.

“Zane… please. He’s just a friend and it’s not your business..”

“He wants to fuck you,” Zane cut me off coldly. “And you’re actually considering it.”

He leaned closer, one hand gripping the back of my headrest, caging me in.

“You’re not going anywhere with him tonight,” he said, voice low and final. “Tell him you’re busy.”

My eyes widened.

“I can’t just…”

“You can,” he growled. “And you will. Because if I find out you went with him, Astra…”

He let the threat hang in the air, his eyes burning into mine.