The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Chapter 86

ASTRA

I stood near one of the elegant mannequins, carefully adjusting the drape of a flowing emerald top from Elira’s new collection. My fingers trembled slightly as I smoothed the fabric. The mansion was alive with soft music, clinking glasses, and the low hum of sophisticated conversation. Everywhere I looked were people who belonged here, designers, influencers, wealthy buyers in clothes that probably cost more than my entire year’s earnings.

I felt completely out of place.

Like a stray puppy that had wandered into a ballroom.

Still, I kept smiling politely and helping wherever I could. Elira had been so kind to me, and I didn’t want to let her down

From a few feet away, I could feel Maya’s eyes burning into me. She was sauntering through the crowd like she owned the place, red dress clinging to her body, laughing too loudly, touching people’s arms like the perfect rich daughter of a powerful conglomerate. Every time our eyes accidentally met, she gave me a smug, poisonous little smile.

I ignored her.

I had to.

I was adjusting the mannequin’s sleeve when the hairs on the back of my neck suddenly stood up. A shiver ran down my spine.

Then I smelled him.

That dark, masculine cedarwood scent wrapped around me like smoke.

Zane passed behind me, close enough that his arm brushed mine. His voice was quiet enough that only I could hear it.

“Looking sexy. Trouble.”

My breath caught. A flock of carnivorous butterflies exploded in my stomach, dangerous, fluttering wildly, making my knees feel weak.

I turned slightly, trying to keep my voice steady.

“How can I help you, Zane?”

He chuckled softly. The warm breath ghosting over the side of my neck made me almost shiver again.

“Are you upset, my Trouble?”

I blinked, forcing myself to look at the mannequin instead of him.

“W-what? Why would I be upset?”

The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

Of course I knew why. The image of Maya’s bare breasts in his hand, her lips on his cheek, kept flashing in my mind like a bad movie I couldn’t pause. It shouldn’t bother me. I had a boyfriend now sweet.

So why did seeing Zane with her feel like someone punched me in the chest?

I wasn’t jealous.

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Chapter 86

I couldn’t be.

66 VOUL

Zane was cruel. Obsessive. He’d bullied me for years. He’d ruined my panties like a total creep. He only wanted to use me and throw me away when he got bored.

I had no reason to feel anything about him.

None at all.

I swallowed hard and kept adjusting the mannequin, pretending my hands weren’t shaking.

Zane stepped closer behind me, his presence overwhelming.

Zane stepped closer behind me, his presence overwhelming.

“Liar,” he whispered.

My heart slammed against my ribs.

I turned my head just enough to glare at him over my shoulder, trying to ignore how his body heat made my skin tingle.

“Says the guy who had another girl’s tits in his hand five minutes ago,” I shot back, unable to keep the bite out of my voice.

“Don’t call me a liar, Zane.”

Zane looked far too entertained by that and his lips curved as though he’d just won something.

“I’ll turn you over my knee right here if you keep lying to me, Trouble.”

My cheeks burned instantly. The memory of last night flashed through my mind, his large hand cracking down on my ass again and again. This morning when I’d looked in the mirror, the faint red imprint of his hand was still visible on my skin. It had throbbed every time I sat down.

I hated how the threat made fresh heat pool between my legs.

Before I could snap back at him, I felt eyes on us.

Maya was standing a few feet away, staring daggers at me. Her glare was pure venom, lips pressed into a thin line. She looked like she wanted to rip my head off.

I looked away quickly, stomach twisting.

Suddenly, Elira appeared beside us, elegant and radiant in a sleek black gown.

“Darling, it’s time,” she said warmly, linking her arm with mine. “Are you ready?”

I went tense but nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

Elira smiled softly and gently dragged me away. She glanced back at her son. “Zane, please watch over your brothers for a bit.”

Then I was being led upstairs to one of the private dressing rooms.

My heart pounded as Elira’s team helped me change. First into a beautiful flowing jumpsuit in deep emerald, comfortable, flattering on my curves, with a wrap-style top that made me feel elegant instead of exposed. They kept my makeup light, just a touch more lip gloss and a soft glow on my cheeks. My hair was left loose with a few soft waves.

I was so tense my hands were shaking, but underneath it there was a tiny spark of excitement. The clothes were genuinely beautiful, and they came in real plus-size options, not just “one size fits all” stretched fabric. Different cuts, different lengths,

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