The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8

ASTRA

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For years, sitting right in front of Zane Ashton felt like some cruel twist of fate.

Whether it was assigned seating or his doing, I never bothered begging the homeroom teacher to change it anymore. It never worked. Zane would just bully whoever was in “his” seat out of it or use his fists.

I still shiver remembering Oscar Mayer last year. The poor guy had refused to move. Zane had lifted him so easily his feet barely touched the floor, then thrown him across the room like he weighed nothing. Oscar broke his hip and was hospitalized for months. Zane had just sat down like nothing happened and stared at me the entire time before he was taken away.

So yeah… I was attuned to every single movement behind me like a live wire.

Because Zane Ashton was unpredictable when he was behind you.

You never knew what kind of creature he might drop into your clothes……literally.

Last time it was three frogs.

The time before that, a bunch of scorpions in my bag.

I sat rigid, shoulders tight, every nerve screaming. I could feel him there, the heat of his body, the weight of his stare burning into the back of my neck. My pen trembled in my hand as I tried to focus on the syllabus.

Then a warm finger brushed the tiny hairs at the nape of my neck.

I didn’t dare move,

His touch was light. Almost gentle,

But I knew better.

He leaned in slowly until his hot breath ghosted against my ear.

“How did you sleep last night, Trash–tra?”

I said nothing.

His finger traced down the side of my neck, slowly and purposely, raising goosebumps across my

skin.

“Are you scared?” he murmured, voice low and dark. “I can practically taste your fear.”

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Chapter 8

slayed silent, trying to lean forward, away from him.

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His hand slid lower, fingers digging into my waist, tight, bruising, and almost possessive like.

“Don’t you fucking move, he growled.

I bore it.

I forced myself to focus on the teacher’s voice on the words on the page, on anything but the way his grip felt like a brand through my uniform.

It was hard.

Every shift of his body behind me, every exhale against my ear, every tiny movement of his fingers on my waist kept me on edge.

By the time the bell rang, tears were burning in my eyes.

The second the teacher dismissed us, I shot out of my chair and rushed out of the classroom before anyone could say anything. I didn’t stop until I reached the bathroom.

I slammed the door behind me, leaning against the sink, breathing hard.

“You can do this, Astra,” I whispered to my reflection, voice shaking. “You can. Just breathe.”

I splashed cold water on my face, trying to wash away the heat of his touch and the sting of humiliation.

When I stepped out, still wiping my face, I walked straight into a hard chest.

Before I could stumble back, a strong hand caught my arm, steadying me.

I looked up and froze.

The most beautiful pair of violet eyes I’d ever seen stared back at me.

Dark, slightly messy hair. A warm, easy smile. Tall, Broad shoulders.

“Are you alright?” He spoke with the most sexy british accent I have ever heard.

I just gawked.

He repeated, softer, “Are you alright?”

My cheeks burned with embarrassment. I stepped back quickly. “I’m sorry.”

He smiled wider, showing perfect white teeth. “It’s cool. What’s your name? I’m Jason, and I’m new here.”

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Chapter 8.

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Audded, understanding immediately why I didn’t recognize him. “I’m Astra. Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to tneet you too Astra,”

We stood there for a second, just looking at each other.

Then I cleared my throat. “Thank you”

I started to side–step when he spoke again.

“Um… would you like to have lunch with me? I have no friends yet, and the cafeteria seems intimidating.”

My eyes went wide. “Oh… yeah, sure.”

He grinned. “Great. See you at lunch?”

I nodded, cheeks still flushed. “Okay. I have to go now for my next class. Once it’s lunch time, come find me in my homeroom. It’s right there.”

He nodded. “Thank you, Astra.”

I rushed off, heart doing something strange in my chest.

I couldn’t believe I’d just had a full conversation with a very handsome boy. And he’d smiled at me.

I entered the next class still a little dazed, grabbed my bag, and completely forgot about Zane for a

moment.

Until our eyes met.

He was still in his seat, staring at me with a raised brow, expression dark and unreadable.

I looked away quickly, my cheeks burning for an entirely different reason now.

I rushed out of class but I could still feel Zane’s eyes on the back of my neck.

And I knew deep down that whatever peace I’d felt talking to Jason was about to be shattered.

“Did you say you had no friends?” I teased, gesturing with my eyes toward the flood of students seated a few feet away. Most of them were girls batting their lashes at Jason and giggling behind their hands every time he glanced their way. The boys who weren’t dying of jealousy were trying to look cool, like they wanted to be him.

He laughed, shaking his head. “They’re not my friends.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Could’ve fooled me. You’re like the new main character and I’m… the

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Chapter 8

background extra, You shouldn’t even be sitting with me or being seen with me.”

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Jason leaned in a little his Violet eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’re not background, Astra. You’re pretty and you’re nice. Why wouldn’t I want to talk to you? Or be seen with you?”

I blinked, completely dumbfounded.

Pretty?

Nice?

No one had ever said that to me so casually. Not without some cruel punchline coming right after.

He must have seen the shock on my face because he smiled softly and added, “You’re real and I like that.”

My cheeks burned. I bit my lip, trying to hide how flustered I felt.

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