Duched(17)

 

 

 

Brie slides her body past mine at the same time she says, "Rather get pneumonia than have my roommate and her boyfriend meet you."

 

 

 

I shut the door once we're both inside. "You're embarrassed to be seen with me. That's a first."

 

 

 

"Don't worry," she softly starts, "I'm sure there'll be a second."

 

 

 

The comment causes Swiss to chuckle as well as me.

 

 

 

Why an art student? Because she's more fun than any of the others and we've only been on this date for two minutes.

 

 

 

My bodyguard glances over his shoulder. "Where are we headed miss?"

 

 

 

"The Tervin Event Center. Do you know where that is?"

 

 

 

He nods, turns back around, and puts the car in drive.

 

 

 

"How'd you do on your test?" I ask receiving a surprised look in return. When she doesn't answer or explain why the expression, I add another question. "Did I say something wrong already?"

 

 

 

"Just...kinda shocked you remembered."

 

 

 

"Why wouldn't I?"

 

 

 

"I don't know...because you probably have more important things to think about like running a country or something?"

 

 

 

"Titles and bullshit, remember?"

 

 

 

"I just assumed you were being over simplistic."

 

"I wasn't," I sigh, desperate to change the subject. "Besides, that test was the only reason you allowed me to save you in your moment of crisis."

 

 

 

Her gag makes me snicker. "Pretty sure you caused my random moment of crisis."

 

 

 

Honestly didn't. Luck was just on my side. Probably pre-paying me back for my father denying my proposal. Again.

 

 

 

"No. Just benefited."

 

 

 

"Just blackmailed," she bites back.

 

 

 

After another small laugh, I ask again, "The test? How'd you do?"

 

 

 

"Wondering if you're on a date with someone who only does well because of a different kind of brain?"

 

 

 

The sexual implication has my mind turning that direction despite the fact I know she's still just trolling for a fight. "Do you? Are you head of the class?"

 

 

 

Her jaw drops. "How dare you-"

 

 

 

"Defend myself?" I angle my body so my back is braced against the window and we're face to face. "Don't get me wrong, Brie. I appreciate anyone who can deliver a gut check as well as they take one, but you're aiming for the boys and that's not quite fair."

 

 

 

She presses her lips firmly together.

 

 

 

"I know you think I'm a royal asshole-"

 

 

 

"So far so true-"

 

 

 

"But there's a little more to me than that." Seeing her shoulders drop in retreat, I add, "Keep the punches coming, love, but at least make the fight just."

 

 

 

        

          

        

         

 

 

 

Her heavily guarded nature makes every triumph I have so much more worth it. Half the fun is in the arguing and the other proving her wrong. Then again, I like being proven wrong as well. Unlike the others she's engaging a part of me that doesn't get much attention outside of my brother and Sophia's verbal lashes.

 

 

 

A small lull passes before she states, "I think I passed."

 

 

 

Unexpected success swells my chest. "What was it on?"

 

 

 

"Boring art crap," she snips. "Paraphrasing for you. You know, since all art is dreadful."

 

 

 

The mocking of my accent grabs a chuckle from me. "Was that your best accent? What'd you do? Spend the afternoon watching Chris Hemsworth films only to realize too late he's Aussie and nowhere near Doctenn?"

 

 

 

Brie's expression oscillates between frustration and fluster. "My accent wasn't that bad!"

 

 

 

"It was horrific. Almost as if you had a pup's chew toy wedged in your mouth."

 

 

 

She leans over and pegs me in the arm.

 

 

 

"Ou!"

 

 

 

"Be thankful it was above the belt."

 

 

 

It didn't actually hurt but I am surprised she hit me. Can't say I've had a female take a swing at me since my last year in lacrosse. Long story there.