Page 37

ANYA

“Why didn’t you wake me up earlier?!” I yell at him. I must have snoozed the alarm as always, and now that I have freshened up, this man has pulled me into bed again.

He yawns, his eyes still heavy with sleep. “Just stay here for a few more minutes, Firecracker.” He sighs as he pulls me closer to him. His morning voice is so hot. I don’t think I will ever get over it.

“Captain.” I pull away, intertwine our fingers, and kiss the back of his hand. “That’s all I want,” I say softly. “But I really can’t miss this class. The professor is going to announce important details about the exam.” I peck his lips. His grip on me loosens, and I take the opportunity to slide out of the bed. “And one of us has to know these things so you can pass,” I smirk and he chuckles lightly.

I shiver at the sudden loss of warmth. “Okay, I am letting you go,” he says quietly and opens his eyes. “But only if you promise to meet me in the library.” His face twists in frustration as he rubs his eyes. “I have to study, too.” He pouts, “Coach said that I need to pass all my subjects or he will bench me.” I gasp. “Don’t worry. I am too talented. He can’t afford to shun me.” He grins lazily.

“How humble of you, captain.” I chuckle.

“It’s confidence, Firecracker.” He winks at me.

I roll my eyes, a small smile playing on my lips. “Confidence…or arrogance?” I shoot back, pulling on a hoodie and stuffing my books into my bag.

He sits up, his hair a mess, the morning sunlight streaming in through the window and casting a warm glow on his bare chest. Heat pools in my stomach and I have to remind myself not to get distracted.

“Hey, I prefer the term ‘unapologetically sure of myself.’” He smirks.

He throws the covers off, revealing his toned body and walks over to me. He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me closer and resting his chin on my shoulder. “Admit it. You love my unapologetic confidence,” he murmurs, running his nose along the side of my neck.

I let out a small gasp at the sensation, my heart rate quickening. “Fine,” I whisper, my voice hitching. “I might find it…a little attractive.”

He hums against my skin, his breath warm and his hand slowly sliding under my hoodie. He grabs my waist, his thumb tracing patterns over my stomach. “A little, huh?” He teases, his lips ghosting over my jawline.

His touch lights a fire within me and I suppress the urge to abandon my class and stay here with him all day.

He grins, knowing exactly how much his touch is affecting me. “You’re thinking about blowing off class, aren’t you?” he murmurs in my ear, his hand sliding up to the small of my back.

I shiver at the contact, my mind filled with visions of staying here in bed with him all day instead of suffering through a boring lecture. The idea is incredibly tempting.

“But don’t,” he whispers. “I do not want you feeling guilty about it later.” He’s right. I sigh. It scares me sometimes, how easily he can read my mind, predict my behaviors, but it also gives me a sense of contentment that there’s someone in this goddamn world who can understand me so well.

“Now, be a good girl and attend your class.” He smacks my ass. “And your captain will bring coffee for you after class, okay?”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile. “Alright, captain. I’ll be a good girl for you,” I say, faking a sarcastic tone.

“I will get going then.” I announce, but he doesn’t budge. “Only if someone leaves me.” I can sense his reluctance as he finally lets me go and stomps toward the bed. “You are acting like a child right now.” I giggle.

He flops down on the bed, dramatically flinging his arms out to the sides and pouting like a little kid. “This is your fault. You’re too tempting,” he grumbles.

I chuckle, amused by his childish behavior. “Oh, I’m sorry for being too irresistible,” I tease, walking over to the bed and leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead.

He looks up at me, his eyes still holding a hint of grumpiness. “You should never be sorry, even when you are wrong,” he says, trying to maintain a stern facade.

“What makes you think I will ever be wrong?” I cock an eyebrow.

He chuckles. “You are right.” I laugh and pick up my bag. “Text me when you get there, okay?” I nod. I open the door and throw him a kiss. He pretends to catch the kiss and place it on his lips before rolling his eyes.

“Just go already before I change my mind and pull you back into bed,” he says, throwing a pillow in my direction and running after me. I giggle. “Oh, no.” I sprint but stop in my tracks as I see Louis and Ethan smirking at me.

“Look who’s doing the walk of shame,” Louis teases. My eyes widen. I feel like a deer caught in headlights. I feel heat rising up my neck .

“It’s not a walk of shame.” Daniels comes beside me and throws his arm around my shoulder. “It’s a walk of satisfaction.” He winks at me. I smack his arm as I gasp softly.

“I am running late, guys.” I smile. “Have a good day.” I rush out of the door. What is wrong with him? I keep my hand on my chest to calm my heartbeat before hurrying down the hallway.

The teasing remarks from Louis and Daniel echo in my mind, causing a blush to creep up my cheeks. The walk to the college campus from his apartment is approximately two minutes, and that’s something I really like. It gives me the opportunity to get up late and still be on time. Though I am late today. I sigh. I love my sleep.

The sun shines bright, casting a golden hue over everything, and I take a deep breath, letting the crisp morning air clear my mind. I love this time of day. I look around at the crowd of students walking on the campus. The place is alive with chatter and laughter.

As I reach the lecture hall, I spot Sophia, her face buried in her phone. I creep up on her silently, and when I am near enough, I suddenly shout, “Boo!”

“Woah!” she exclaims, her hand on her chest. “What the fuck, Anya? You scared me.”

“That was the point.” I smile, taking a seat beside her. I take out my phone to quickly send a text to Daniel.

“You are glowing.” Soph nudges me. I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a grin.

“I know.” I shrug. “It’s called being well-rested.”

“If you say so.” Soph smirks. I note how she doesn’t ask for details and I am grateful for that, because she did once, and I was so flustered. I am not someone who can discuss my sex life openly.

I guess that’s a part of our upbringing. Indians don’t casually talk about sex. I mean, Siya is the one and only person I feel comfortable sharing anything with because we have played together and have been together since we were in diapers, but we don’t usually do so unless we are concerned about something.

“Are you ready for this? I hear today’s topic is going to be a real snooze-fest,” I say, changing the subject.

Sophia rolls her eyes, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “As if! I’m always ready, especially if it means I can zone out for an hour.”

I smirk. “You’re the queen of zoning out. I’m surprised you don’t have a crown for it.”

“Maybe I should get one. I’d wear it proudly,” she quips, leaning back in her chair. As the professor starts the lecture, I focus on the slides projected on the screen, taking notes in my notebook for a change. I usually do that when I find the subject or the topic boring because it helps me pay attention; otherwise, I take notes on my laptop.

Halfway through the lecture, my phone buzzes again. I sneak a glance, trying to be discreet.

Daniel:

How’s class? I miss your face already.

Coffee’s brewing for you.

Can’t wait to see you, firecracker! ? ?

I can’t help but grin as I type back quickly.

About as thrilling as watching paint dry.

Wish you were here to entertain me.

Can’t wait for coffee! ??

“Tsk, tsk.” Soph shakes her head slowly. I swat her arm. Now, I hope this lecture ends soon.

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