Chapter 0631

I hold my wrist up towards Luca like it’s evidence as my mate’s mouth drops open in surprise.

Then he scowls, looking down at the ground, clearly pissed and disappointed in himself. “I’m sorry,” he says after a long moment as we walk, looking down at the ground. “I…I guess I got more distracted than I thought I did.”

I forgive him instantly, hating to see him sad and stepping a little closer to his side. After all, no harm was done – not really. “I guess…I didn’t really think about what it would mean for you to come down to Newtown. That you’d be recognized and that it could cause trouble for you.”

Luca sighs, looking up at the sky and shaking his head. “It’s not a big deal – it’s not like I haven’t dealt with that sort of thing before. Girls just…they have an idea about what you owe them, when you’re a celebrity.” He shrugs. “She won’t do anything. I really am sorry, Ariel – I…should have been concentrating on you more.”

I just shrug, looking up at him, my brows knitting together a bit. “Why weren’t you, though? I mean, when I sat down you were all concern. But then some girls come over to you and you’ve got no more eyes for me?”

He smirks a little but shakes his head. “It’s not like that at all, Ariel. You’re the only one I care about. I just…” he sighs and looks down at his feet. “I guess I liked the attention, is all. I think…I fed on it more than I thought I did, before I came to the Academy. Women liking me, telling me how great I am all the time.”