The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

Grace and I only talk a bit during the lesson. She is a real goody—two—shoes who doesn't like to get in trouble. Yet another thing I like about her.

When the lesson is over, we go up to the study room. I get out my maths books and go over the topics we covered this morning.

Once she's confident that she understands it, I change the subject to her.

'Are you new to the town Or just to this school' I ask casually.

'I'm new to the town. We moved here a week ago.'

'We You and your parents'

She nods. 'Me and my mum and my three half—siblings.'

I look at her curiously and she obviously decides to explain before I ask.

'My dad left when I was four and my mum remarried a few years later. My step—dad passed away two years ago, so it's just the five of us now.'

'Shit, I'm so sorry.'

She shrugs. 'It's okay. It was horrible at first, but Mum's starting to heal, and I know my siblings keep her so busy that she barely has time to miss my step—dad nowadays.'

'How old are your siblings'

She grimaces. 'Five, seven and nine. They're so irritating. I spend a lot of time in my bedroom, with the door locked.'

I laugh at that. 'I'm an only child, I can't relate I'm afraid.'

Her eyes widen. 'You're so lucky! I'm jealous. I love my siblings, but it would be nice to have to space for once.'

'Well, if you ever need a break, you can always come round to mine.'

I realize what I've said, after the words leave my mouth. Grace looks at me in surprise and I worry that I've scared her by coming on too strong.

'I have my friends over all the time. Xaden and Rory practically lived at my house over summer,' I tell her hurriedly, trying to make her less uncomfortable.

Grace smiles and I sigh with relief. 'That's nice of you, thank you.'

Fuck it, here I go.

'I was wondering…can I take you out sometime this week If you're new to the area, I'm happy to show you the good places.'

Her cheeks turn a pretty pink and she plays with her hands on her lap.

'Like a date' She asks quietly.

I smirk. 'That would be good, but, if you prefer, it can just be a local showing around a newbie.'

She giggles at that. 'Um, no, a date…sounds nice. I'd like that.'

I can't stop myself from grinning. I want to fist pump the air and shout that I have a date with my mate. Instead, I play it cool.

'Awesome. Shall we exchange numbers Then I can come up with a plan and text you the details.'

She gets her mint phone out of her bag. 'Sure, this is my number…'

Grace and I talk for the rest of the free period. When the bell goes, I walk her outside of the school. She tells me that she lives a ten—minute walk away.

I offer to give her a lift, but she declines. She likes the walk to clear her head before she reaches the madhouse she calls home.

I find Xaden leaning against my car, smirking like the smug bastard he is.

'How's cutie' He asks dryly.

I grab his shirt and yank him upward, so that I am in his face.

'Don't fucking call her that,' I growl angrily.

He chuckles and pulls my hand from him.

'I'm just teasing, man,' he says and then his eyes soften. 'I'm sorry. I won't go anywhere near your mate, I swear.'

Xaden might be a dick, but I know he's not that much of a dick.

I roll my eyes at him. 'I know you won't, but don't call her names like that.'

He laughs. 'I won't. That's your job.'

Xaden comes back to my house, as we often do after school. We play on my Xbox in my room.

'So, what's it like' Xaden asks. 'Having a mate'

I can't stop my lips quirking up in a smile.

'Fucking awesome and I haven't even touched her yet. It's strange. It's like my whole world changed this morning. Everything I thought was important, now means nothing compared to her. I want nothing more than to be around her constantly and to make her happy,' I tell him honestly.

Xaden stays quiet, processing my confession.

I groan. 'Fuck. Now I miss her.'

He chuckles next to me. 'Pussy—whipped already, bro.'

I don't try and deny it.

'I know, I am. I don't even care though, she's worth it.'

Xaden's phone buzzes and he pauses the game. He looks down and reads the text. The moment he gives me a sheepish smile, I know what the text says without even seeing it.