Duched(11)

 

 

 

Quickly, I slip out of my pajamas bottom and into a pair of jeans. While the first part of my wardrobe change is always the easiest, the inevitable hunt for my favorite sweatshirt and paint stained chucks often has me jogging to class to prevent being late during winter.

 

 

 

It's what I practically hibernate in all season.

 

 

 

Once I've completely changed, brushed my teeth, and managed to put all my hair into a frizzy high ponytail, I swipe the beverage from my dresser and exit to the living room where Kellan is patiently waiting.

 

 

 

"Not as impressive as the little number you had on last night, but nonetheless sexy in a bang me in my dorm room sort of way."

 

 

 

His comment receives an eye roll as I make my way to the kitchen table to repack my bag. "Keep dreaming..."

 

 

 

"You said you started at Ashwin the same year as Treme?"

 

 

 

"I never said Ashwin."

 

 

 

"It's the only university within ten minutes of here."

 

  

 

Damn it. Why do I keep letting information slip to him?

 

 

 

"Are you at least close to graduating?"

 

 

 

After shutting the book I fell asleep on, I reply, "Beginning of June is when I should walk across the stage."

 

 

 

"Last semester."

 

 

 

"Yeah." I shove it in my notebook, close the shoulder bag, and grab my phone. "But don't worry. I won't bore you with details of my degree."

 

 

 

Kellan smirks again while watching me swipe my keys off the counter. "Maybe the topic would be less boring if it were coming out of a prettier subject. Like you."

 

 

 

"Doubtful." I open the front door and usher him out. Once I've locked up, the two of us begin down the stairs when I notice a large, tan man with a buzzed haircut lurking just around the corner. Friend of yours?"

 

 

 

He grouses. "Not by choice."

 

 

 

Intrigued, I question, "Meaning?"

 

 

 

"As per the royal pain in the ass known as my father, a security detail is required at all times. Distance however is debatable."

 

 

 

I stop my body on the bottom stair and turn to face Kellan. "Why? Are you...famous or something?"

 

 

 

The security guard chuckles under his breath.

 

 

 

Oh shit. Is he? Not that it would've made a difference to my date answer. Between us though, it would be a little exciting to be able to say I turned down a celebrity.

 

 

 

"Or something," he mutters. "Which way to your car?"

 

 

 

I tilt my head to the side. "What's or something? Do you not wanna tell me?"

 

 

 

"You won't believe me."

 

 

 

"Try me."

 

 

 

He hesitates before sighing, "I'm a prince."

 

 

 

"A prince."

 

 

 

"And a Duke."

 

 

 

"Because Disney was just handing out titles that day?"

 

 

 

Kellan fights the urge to chuckle. "I'm serious. I'm Prince of Doctenn and Duke of Rockbridge. Not the only prince of Doctenn, I have an older brother being groomed to represent the crown, but I am the only Duke of Rockbridge. All of it is really just useless bureaucratic titles at this point. A fancy way of saying whose bloodline lasted longer and rose higher than whose."

 

 

 

Great. I let a delusional sociopath in for coffee this morning. See. This is exactly what happens when I don't get enough sleep.

 

 

 

"Sure." I shrug and turn back around to finish my route to my car. "You don't wanna give me the real reason then fine. It's none of my business." When I arrive at my car, I open the door, and state, "Thanks again for the coffee."

 

 

 

Kellan corrects, "Latte."

 

 

 

"God, you're one of those people," I mumble.

 

 

 

Thinks Monet was overrated but won't hesitate to call his barista an artist.

 

 

 

"Have a nice day, Kellan."

 

 

 

I shut the door after he gives me one final wave from where he's waiting on the sidewalk. I place my coffee in the receipt filled cup holder, toss my bag in the seat beside me, and start my car. An unusual clicking sound escapes, yet nothing happens.

 

 

 

This can't be good.

 

 

 

I repeat the action again except this time I watch the dashboard for signs of life. Signs of hope. Disbelief pushes me back against the seat as I stare on in horror.