Class finally ended, and Rue grabbed my hand once more. For a guy who hadn’t acknowledged me before today, he sure was making up for it now.
Before we could leave the classroom, Beatrice stepped in front of us. She hissed at Rue, “Why are you holding her hand? You know, Selene’s father and yours have become very close.”
Rue didn’t bother to answer. He trained that frosty gaze of his on her and raised one eyebrow. The guy could give a look that would freeze you in your tracks. I’d witnessed him directing that look at professors who caved under it.
I gave credit to Beatrice because she didn’t flinch.
“Fine, have it your way,” she shrugged. “You’re going to regret your decision, then it’ll be too late.” She gave him an evil smirk and left the room.
I waited for him to comment on what she’d said. When it became apparent he wasn’t going to, I broke the silence.
“What the hell did she mean by that?” I asked as we exited the building and headed toward the lake.
“I don’t know, nor do I care.” Rue settled his serious, frosty blue eyes on me, “And neither should you.”
I frowned, “It’s not going to keep me up at night, but I am curious.”
He stared at me for a moment, then sighed, “My father has business dealings with Selene’s father. She and Beatrice probably hoped that it would lead me to become part of her Faction.”
I stopped walking, and he looked at me in question. “Wait, does that mean she already knows she’s Nexus?”
“I’m sure she hopes so. Whether it’s so or not, I don’t know, nor do I care. Regardless, my father knows better than to speak for me. I’ll choose my own destiny.” He gave a tug on my hand, and we began walking again.
He apparently was a man of few words. I knew next to nothing about him, only what I’d observed in class. If I were to be completely honest with myself, I was a little intimidated—not just by him, but by all my Potentials. They were all incredibly good-looking, and I was just… me.
Not that I didn’t have confidence; 'fake it till you make it' was my personal mantra. I may have doubts, but none of the Passives in this school would ever be aware of it. Just a small amount of blood in the water would bring the sharks in droves.
When we approached the lake, the twins were sitting at a table loaded with food. I was impressed because it was next to impossible to nab one in such a prime location.
Jesse got up and approached us with a smile that lit up his face. “I thought I’d exaggerated your beauty in my mind. If anything, I’d downplayed it.”
He was quite the bullshitter; I was here for it.
Rue stepped partially in front of me, then mumbled to himself and moved aside.
Jesse gave him a small smile, then turned his full attention on me. “Come, my little cumquat, and see what delights await you.”
“No… that doesn’t work for me.” I frowned at him. “No one as short as I am should have a nickname like that.”
“Hmm, maybe you’re right.” He sat me at the table, then took the seat beside me. “Pocket princess?”
John took the seat across from me, and Rue sat on my other side.
“That’s a ridiculous nickname.” Rue sniffed as he filled a plate for himself.
What do you know about nicknames, Frosty?” Jesse stuck his tongue out at him.
Rue looked confused, “Who’s Frosty?”
John started laughing, “I think he’s talking about you.”
“Me?” Rue’s eyes widened. “Are you trying to give me a nickname too?” Rue’s tone was highly indignant.
“I thought it might be fun since we’re going to be Faction,” Jesse spoke around a mouthful of food. “Nicknames show affection. You should be honored.”
Rue eyed him in disgust, then looked at me, “Are you certain he’s a Potential?”
“Hey!” Jesse frowned at Rue, “Don’t be like that. I bring a lot to a Faction, Frosty.”
