chapter708

Lydia frowned. Seriously, someone else trying to start drama? "It's a girl," Iceblade said, "but not from your class."

Lydia took a step back and glanced over her shoulder. Whoever had been lurking in the shadows had already disappeared.

Iceblade let out a laugh. "She sure knows how to run."

Lydia looked indifferent. The whole school forum was already obsessed with rumors about her and Jay, the instructor. So, that person from earlier was probably the one stirring the pot behind the scenes. She was determined to find out who was causing trouble.

Meanwhile, a sleek black Mercedes pulled up in front of the girls' dorm. Connor stepped out, holding a bouquet of bright red roses. The trunk was open, filled with gifts. He tried to keep his excitement in check as he pulled out his phone and called Lydia. He had lost count of how many late nights he'd worked just to finish early and come back to see her.

Finally, just a few seconds more and he'd get to see the girl he'd been missing so much.

The phone rang only twice before Lydia answered, her voice cool and clear. Done with work?"

Connor's smile grew, but before he could say anything, he heard a guy's voice on Lydia's end. "I'm heading back now."

Connor's expression darkened. Was that Jay?

Lydia glanced at Iceblade standing next to her and really wanted to smack him. "Leave," she said coldly.

Iceblade just grinned. "See you tomorrow."

Lydia rolled her eyes. Typical.

Connor was on the other end, practically fuming. Jay was definitely doing this on purpose. Lydia didn't even have to guess to know Connor was jealous, She paused, then said, "It's not what you think. We're at the training field. It's all public."

Connor tried to play it cool, but the jealousy was obvious in his voice. "I'm not overthinking. He's just your instructor."

He trusted Lydia, no matter what gossip was flying around about her and Jay. Still, just hearing Jay's name bothered him. He was convinced Jay had his eye on Lydia.

"Alright, good." Lydia could practically hear him trying to calm himself down.

"Wait for me at the field. I'm almost there."

Connor hung up before she could say anything else. Lydia stared at her phone, one eyebrow raised. What was that about? Did he really come back early?

When Connor finally showed up, roses in hand, everyone on the field stopped to stare. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored slacks, Connor looked every bit the gentleman. The moonlight seemed to make his shirt glow softly. The bouquet of roses in his arms was so red it almost looked like it was on fire, dewdrops sparkling on the petals like something out of a dream. His eyes never left Lydia, shining brighter than the stars.

"You're so cold. That's all I get after everything?" Connor's voice was full of mock disappointment as he watched Lydia's calm face. She really didn't seem surprised or excited at all.

Lydia watched the sulking man in front of her, the hint of a smile on her lips. She walked right up to him, and before anyone could react, stood on tiptoe and pressed a soft kiss to his sharp cheekbone.

For a second, Connor's mind went blank. The warmth of her lips lingered on his skin.

Lydia grinned, teasing him. Is that good enough for you, Mr. Jefferson?

Connor's eyes darkened with something fierce. He pulled her close with one strong arm, holding her tight against his chest. Then, surrounded by roses and under the gaze or veryone around th kissed her lips, soft and sweet.

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