Page 64 of Carnival
“Hello?” Danica waves her hand in front of my face. “Earth to Rosalie.’’
I blink, returning my attention to our study group. Asher pulled out his textbooks, opened a page, and is busy trying to teach Ella and Chase the basics that they should’ve learned ages ago. Somehow, I wonder how they managed to last until now without dropping out.
“Sorry,’’ I mumble. “I’ll go grab some snacks.’’
Chase stands up, stretching. “I’ll help. Anything to get rid of Asher for a while.’’
A small snort slips from me, and Asher isn’t amused, throwing a deadly glare at me. Chase follows me into the kitchen, and I groan, seeing that the only snacks available are Aria’s. She’ll lose her fucking mind.
Chase grabs a bag of chips, opens it, and dumps the entire thing into the big bowl, and I start slicing up some apples and add strawberries and any fruit I have available.
“So, Rose,’’ Chase leans against the kitchen counter. “Any plans for spring break?”
I shrug. “None yet. Aria wants to go to Europe for a weeklong getaway.”
“Ah, the lifestyle of the rich,’’ he chuckles. “Remind me again, how many times did she change her major and drop out?”
A laugh slips from me. “I honestly stopped counting. But hey, university isn’t for everyone, and she already has a blooming business, so why would she waste her time.’’
“Eh, true,’’ he smiles. “So, Europe, huh? Where in particular?”
“We were thinking probably Italy or Spain. She’s been to both places already but loves to revisit.’’
He hums. “That sounds great.’’
“It is,’’ I smile, finishing the plate of fruit. “What about you? Any plans?”
“None yet, but I was thinking,’’ he pushes off the counter and steps closer, a warm smile on his face as he looks down at me. He has gorgeous brown eyes, yet whenever I look at them, all I see are the cold brown in James’ gaze. “I know it’s exam season, and I don’t want to overwhelm you, but I would really like to get to know you better.’’
I blink. “Oh. Are you asking me out on a date?”
“Well, yes. I’d like to take you out, if you’d let me.’’
Momentarily, I’m at a loss for words. It takes me a while to process it and then to start wondering. I don’t think I’ve ever been asked out on a date, and I never actually wanted to date anyone. Despite not being official with James, I’m aware that his threat of letting another man near me and killing him if he gets out wasn’t an empty one.
“Really?” I frown. “You… want to go out with me?”
He tilts his head to the side. “Is that really surprising? You’re funny, insanely gorgeous, with a brilliant mind.’’
“James will kill you.’’
Something I can’t quite place flashes in his eyes before a look of confusion overtakes his features. He frowns, trying to understand what I’m talking about, and it’s only then that I realize that I let inner thoughts out.
“Who?”
“Ah,’’ I chuckle nervously. “Uh, my boyfriend.’’
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were taken. You never mentioned a boyfriend, so…’’
“Yeah, it’s not your fault.’’
A beat of silence passes us.
“So, where is he?” Chase asks, curiosity lacing his tongue.
“Prison.’’
He blinks, taken aback. “Prison,’’ he repeats. “Let me guess, the threat of him killing me isn’t an empty one.’’
