Page 84 of Royal Havoc

Once I’ve gathered my phone and purse, along with my breath, I slide from the Jeep. He leads the way across the street to the small shop, and I find myself wondering if he’s been here before.

As we step to the counter, I notice a couple of people occupying tables. Amy’s smiling face greets us as she skips from the back.

“I’ll have a large black river, two sugars,” Mr. B orders politely and steps to the side. “And whatever she’s having,” he tells her.

Our eyes meet, and I notice her smile falter a fraction. “Your usual?” she asks stiffly.

“Yes.”

“Muffin?”

I shake my head. “No, thanks.”

She nods before skipping away to make our orders.

“You can grab a seat,” Mr. B tells me, glancing around the space.

I move quickly, happy to leave the awkward vibe she’s projecting. I settle in my usual seat and stare out the window until he joins me.

“Do you know her?” he asks, placing my to-go cup in front of me.

Straightening at the sound of his voice. “Not really. Just from getting coffee,” I answer, opening my notebook.

He relaxes in his chair, sipping his. “Ready when you are.”

I review my notes from the night before. “What made you want to be a teacher?” I ask, meeting his stormy eyes.

He smiles. “Good question. I had a lot of time to read, which made me realize my love of words.”

Swallowing my drink. “So, not a sports fanatic?”

“More of a hunter.” He winks.

I clear my nervous throat, jotting down his answers. “Music?”

“Guess,” he counters playfully, wiggling his brows.

“Um…” Studying him for a minute. “Grunge?” I guess.

He chuckles. “Rock. I enjoy 90’s rock,” he clarifies, smiling across the table.

Silence grows between us as I try to think of my next question. I feel myself start to sweat, setting off a round of nervous chills.

“You’ve hardly touched your coffee.” His observation shatters the heavy silence.

After taking a drink. “Sorry, I’m not more prepared,” I apologize.

He leans his elbows on the table. “You seem a little tired.” His questioning eyes examine my face.

“Yeah, I didn’t sleep well,” I admit shyly, rushing to take another drink.

“Everything okay at home? I’m a good listener,” he offers without judgment.

“Just adapting to Edge,” I answer vaguely, never trusting anyone enough to confide in – especially not a stranger.

You trusted Vex once.

The voice has my thoughts drifting to him. Wondering if he’s done with his officialFourmeeting.

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