The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 3

Axel's POV.

'Whatever you were trying to do, I think it worked.'

I look up from my notes to see Rory smirking in front of me. I nod for her to take a seat.

We're in the study section and we both have a free half—period before lunch. I've since showered after P.E, not wanting to be a sweaty mess when I spend lunch with my mate.

'What do you mean'

Rory gives me a deadpan look.

'You were trying to get your mate a bit hot and bothered, I think,' she comments. 'It definitely worked; the poor girl could barely finish a sentence. She was even more quiet than usual.'

I smirk in satisfaction, pleased that my mate liked what she saw.

'She's in physics now and I bet she's only thinking physical not physicist.'

I laugh and roll my eyes at her. 'That was a shit joke.'

Rory grins at me. 'You still laughed, though.'

She puts her feet up on the chair next to me and crossing her arms over her chest.

'So, tell me about this date you have planned for Thursday. Are you gonna pick her up'

'I don't know, hadn't discussed it. I want to, but what if it means meeting her family'

Rory frowns. 'So'

'What if they don't like me'

'You're made for their daughter, of course they'll like you. There's no one safer for her to be with.'

I shrug at her. 'They don't know that, though. All they will see is a horny guy who wants to bang their daughter.'

Rory laughs at that.

'Then show them what a nice guy you can be, but, let's be honest, you do want to bang their daughter.'

'Obviously. But it's not about that and you know it.' I glance around and lower my voice so that no one can hear. 'I assume she's a virgin, so I can't imagine we'll be doing anything like that anytime soon. You know what I don't even care. I just want to spend time with her.'

Rory 'aw's at me.

'Isn't that cute. You're growing, Axe.' She leans back in the chair. 'She gives me virgin vibes, but you never know.'

I grimace, not wanting to think about my mate with another guy.

'My parents want to meet her. I keep telling them it's too soon. I need to take her out again after, I'm thinking Saturday.'

Rory nods. 'Good idea. The more time you spend together, the more the mate bond will form, and she'll find it hard to be away from you. It'll help make it easier when you tell her.'

'So, what do you think Food Movie'

'I don't know. It depends. Do you wanna do normal stuff Or special stuff Maybe start with a normal date; dinner and a movie, then move into the specially thought—out dates. Don't want to scare her away by coming on too strong at the beginning.'

This is why I need a girl best friend. She gives me insight into the female mind. That shit's scary.

'Okay. I take her to the cinema and then to Olivier's, sound good'

'I'd be happy with that. What films are on Check their website.'

By the time the lunch bell goes, Aurora and I have found a film for Grace and I and booked tickets. I also book a table at Olivier's online. I was lucky to get a table this late in the week, they usually book up quickly.

It's one of my favorite restaurants in town, French food but not overpriced. I hope Grace likes it.

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

We're already sat at our table when Grace nervously comes over. It's only her second day, she's still shy around my friends.

I gave them the warning to be nice before she came over.

'How was physics' I ask when she sits down.

'Easy. We're doing thermal equilibrium,' she replies with a shrug.

My little genius.

I'm surprised she struggles with math if she does so well in physics. Maybe she puts it on to spend more time with me…

That thought makes me smile.

'Are you free on Saturday' I ask, surprising her.

Her brows furrow as she considers it. 'I think so. Why'

'I want to take you out.'

She scrunches up her nose in confusion.

'We haven't even had our first date yet!'

I shrug. 'I don't care. I already know I want another one.'

She blushes intensely. 'I— um, well, are you sure'

I chuckle at her nervousness. 'Yes, I'm sure. I told you, Grace, I like you.'

That really makes her blush.

'What if the date on Thursday goes horribly'

I frown at her answer.

'It won't. How could it It's me and ice cream, what's not to love, strawberries'

She giggles at the nickname and smiles up at me.

'Alright, Mr. Archer, you've got yourself a second date.'

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

After lunch, Grace and I sit together in business studies.

It's like the teacher is on my side or something, because he informs us that we're going to be working in pairs this lesson.

For the whole hour, I get to work with Grace. We manage to get the work done and flirt a load more.

I can't stop myself from flirting with her. My instinct is to flatter her, to get her to fall in love with us.

We both have a free period at the end of the day together, Xaden does, too.

The three of us chill in the common room. Xaden is at his best; his confident, funny self, when he's not being obnoxious or showing off.

He makes an effort to get to know Grace, without being anything but friendly, and I appreciate that.

He acts as the perfect wingman, talking me up to Grace. She leaves school with a smile on her face, and I know that's thanks to a fun hour with Xaden and me.

I put my arm around him as we leave school.

'You know, Cuz,' I tell him. 'Sometimes, I really love ya.'

He scoffs and pushes my arm off. 'You love me all the time, don't deny it.'

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆

Wednesday seems to drag. Although Grace and I have math, business studies and a free period together, we only really get to spend time together in the free period.

We do group work in business studies, and stupid Mr. Baxter chooses the groups himself. Grace and I get put in different groups. I look longingly across the room at her and she pouts back playfully.

In math, we barely get to talk because we're doing some 'really hard' topic that, I'll admit, is pretty difficult. I actually have to listen to understand it, which is rare.

By the end of the day, I'm buzzing with excitement. Tomorrow, Grace and I are going on a date!

I walk Grace out of school.

'So, do you want me to pick you up from your house tomorrow' I offer, knowing she doesn't have a car.

'No, it's okay! I'll meet you somewhere,' she says.

'Really I can pick you up, I don't mind.'

She frowns. 'No, it's fine. My mum will be weird about it. I haven't told her I'm going on a date; she thinks I'm meeting some friends.'

That makes me feel uncomfortable. I want her mum to like me and sneaking around behind her back isn't going to help any.

'Why will she be weird Mum's usually love me, I'm a delight.'

Grace scoffs at that. 'I'm sure they do, Mr. Charming. My mum…she's very protective. After my Dad left and then my step—dad passed, I think she just feels like she's been let down by men. She doesn't want me dating yet.'

'But you're almost eighteen,' I protest.

She told me this morning that her birthday is in two months.

Grace sighs and brushes her red waves back from her face.

'I know. I'll tell her the truth if we end up going on more dates, okay But this is just the first one.' Grace bumps me. 'It might not go well.'

I place my hand over my heart.

'Will you stop with this 'going badly' thing You're really wounding me here, Strawberries.'

Grace giggles at my theatrics. 'Sorry, Axe.'

I love it when she uses my nickname.

We walk to the school gates and slow to a stop. This is where she carries on home, and I go to my car.

'It's not going to go badly and you better start thinking up ways to tell your mum, cause I'm telling you Strawberries, this is just the first of many dates that I intend to take you on.'

Grace blushes to her hairline and shifts from one foot to the other.

Damn, she's adorable.

Have I said that before

'Okay! I'll think of something. See you tomorrow, Axel,' she says softly.

I watch her walk away, a stupid grin on my face.

I am so fucking happy.

⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆✥⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆