Chapter 16 - Levana
The next three weeksbecame a blur as I settled into my new school, new routine and Cian was proving to be more and more like Grace, and I was just grateful I’d met her. Grace and I still stayed connected via facetime and made endless plans to meet. With all the new changes over the last six weeks, Saint and his rejection ceased to exist. I no longer thought about that night or let it affect me in anyway. Life was returning to normal again and living with dad, a huge bonus. Even though he was busy with constant work, he made sure the three of us dined together every night.
My mother, on the other hand, followed us back to the States and as dad promised, she was allowed to visit but couldn’t interfere with anything when it came to us. He agreed to let mother enter Eliana into pageants but only if my sister was up for it and she chose which ones to enter. Mother reluctantly agreed.
As for Davien, after I found out who he was, we hung out often at home, either playing video games or watching movies. At school, we mostly smiled when we passed each other in the hallways. After the cafeteria scene, word got around that I was his friend which was true but some of the girls even asked if we were dating. My answer was a very happy no thank you. While we never spoke about it, I had a feeling Davien’s closet housed a few skeletons which led to the black eye I saw the first day of school and why he spent more time at our place.
Now, as I sat in our history class waiting for Mrs Jones, who we’d been told might not be coming to school today, I wondered what would happen.
We all continued to talk amongst ourselves when Principal Stevens walked in. “Quiet, children.” He cleared his throat a few times until silence greeted him. Linking his fingers behind his back, he eyed us above spectacles that sat low on his nose. “You’re all aware that Mrs Jones had to take a leave of absence. For how long, we’re not sure.” A murmur filled the air as everyone speculated the reason for her absence, me included. “That said, I’d like to introduce your substitute teacher who’ll be with us until Mrs Jones’ return. I will not tolerate any unruly behaviour toward your new teacher. You are seniors and you will behave appropriately as is the Academy standard. Do I make myself clear?”
His no-nonsense expression received a chorused, “yes, Mr Stevens.”
“Good.” His gaze shifted to the doorway. “Mr Sinclair?”
Like the anticipation of a great coming, all heads turned toward the door. The man entering kept his face down, but his build was impressive. Tall, muscular and hair so dark, it was shiny against the light. Then he lifted his head, piercing green eyes sliced through the class, eliciting gasps. My first glance was shock—stunned by the man’s pure beauty before recognition took over almost immediately.
Holy shit— I opened my mouth to say something more, but my breathing paused, catching in my throat. Like the proverbial Mexican wave, goose bumps rose along my skin from shoulders to fingertips. Hell, even my body fired up those little bumps. I stared, unable to tear my eyes away, just as captivated as the others by the man upfront. A man I met once but whose face I’d never forget.
My mystery man. My Prince Winthrop.
It was a full minute before I heard myself breathe. In that time, the only sounds around me were,
“Holy crap.”
“Oh, wow.”
“Oh, my God.”
“That’sour new teacher.”
All coming from the girls and I could understand their intrigue, their admiration. Our new teacher was hot, andIknew him. Better still, my mystery man now had a name.
Mr Sinclair.
Nice.
