Page 46 of Black Castle

Chapter Fourteen

Vivienne

Vivienne’s migraine struck before the first half of Introductory Psychology was over.

It wasn’t her fault. Mr. Fadden kept glancing at her—every single minute. Each time their eyes met, a chill slid down her spine, sharp as a scalpel. It felt like he was peeling her apart, layer by layer, with nothing but a gaze.

The anxiety festered, whispering that he wasn’t just a substitute teacher—that somehow, he knew something about her. The thought burrowed deep, twisting into a migraine that had refused to let go since morning.

“Is it really that bad?” The back of Kenji’s palm presses gently on Vivienne’s forehead, testing her body’s temperature.

“Not the worst I have ever had, but yes, it’s pretty awful.” Her eyes squeeze shut as a loud throb presses against her skull. “I really thought I could hold it till you’re done, but…” She drags air sharply through her teeth, her eyes shifting briefly to the large field as the chatter and hoots of athletes pierces the mid-evening air.

“I know,” Kenji murmurs, his eyes clouded over with worry. “I don’t even want you to wait in this condition. My problem is how to get you home now.”

He looks around for a possible solution, perhaps a player going home and coincidentally kind enough to offer to drop her off.

“I’m sure I can find my way.” Vivienne tucks her hand into her blazer’s pocket, fishing out her cell phone.

“Okay, I think Banks can drop you off,” Kenji suggests. “He sprained his ankle. Coach Crawford was just gonna bench him, but he said he would rather go home.”

“Banks?” Vivienne asks, wary of this suggestion.

“Yes, Banks,” Kenji repeats.

She shakes her head, a slight disapproving frown etched on her face. That doesn’t sound like a great idea at all.

Banks makes it obvious in every encounter that he very much still likes her. If her heart isn’t currently occupied by someone else, this would have been a nice encounter that might lead somewhere. But all she can think about these days is Lucan. The only man she wants to talk to is Lucan. She’s not sure she’s prepared for how awkward the ride is going to be if Banks keeps flirting.

“I know what you’re thinking.” Kenji breaks into her thoughts. “I can tell him you are a bit under the weather. He won’t bother you with his verbal love letters, I promise.”

“Are you sure?” Her hand clasps tighter around the strap of her backpack.

“Definite.” He gives an affirmative nod, then gently pats her arm before walking off.

Vivienne watches the two boys meet by the field. A short, lively exchange passes between them. Across the field, Banks glances at her briefly, flashing her a charming smile. And her stubborn heart refuses to flutter.

Cute boys’ smiles used to cause her to blush, regardless of her relationship status. Their flirtatious winks, the casual way they always run their fingers through their dark hair—these small gestures used to move her. But now? Nothing. Not even a flicker.

It’s like Lucan has magically bound her to him, leaving no space for anyone else. And to think he hasn’t even asked her to be his girlfriend.

“Vee,” Kenji’s voice interrupts her thoughts. He’s standing next to her, Banks right beside him. She doesn’t even realize when they crossed over from the field.

“I honestly never knew your house was on the same route as mine,” Banks comments, his smile still present, making his dark brown eyes sparkle.

“Me too.” Vivienne shoves her hands inside her blazers’ pockets, rocking on her heels awkwardly. If he knew where her house was, would he have been showing up at her doorstep unannounced? Picking her up for school and dropping her off?

That would have been a cute love story. Like in the movies.

“Hang on, let me grab my keys,” Banks says, jogging away, and disappearing through the double door to the locker room.

“Don’t forget to take medication and get some sleep.” Kenji places his palm on her forehead again, his bluish-gray eyes scanning her face. “I’m gonna stop by later. Do you want me to get you anything when I’m coming?”

“Maybe Pizza and Pepsi?” she suggests, a soft grin on her lips. “I want two cans.”

“Done,” Kenji chuckles softly.

“Let’s go.” Banks returns, a varsity jacket thrown over his broad shoulders and a key dangling in his hand.

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