Page 70 of Bound By Obsession

Receiving the ball, he jolts into action, dribbling only three times before he leaps to make a shot. His muscles tense, his back arches, and the ball leaves his hand in a perfect arc before swishing through the net. The sound is soft but somehow deafening in its perfection. I blink, suddenly aware that I’ve been watching for too long again. My highlighter hangs limp between my fingers.

“How’s that impactful first sentence coming?” Axel grins. I officially give up, putting my notepad aside and throwing my face into my hands. I’m overthinking it. Axel chuckles, reaching over to gently peel my hands away. “It’s just an assignment, Swan. Stop beating yourself up over it.” I know he’s right, but I can’t explain why I feel the need to throw myself into this. To embrace student life for what I thought it would be and hold on tight with both hands. Maybe it’s an attempt at normality.

“I’ll be fine when I decide what to write about. Can you just pick a topic for me?” I pout, gesturing to the pile of books. Titles such as ‘Psychological Shadows’ and ‘Literary Stereotypes’ are peeking out from underneath Garrett’s now-folded hoodie. “Whatever demon of mine you choose, I will just run with that.”

Axel looks at the pile thoughtfully, then gestures towards my backpack. I pass it to him, saving the effort of shifting his ribs toomuch. Digging around inside, Axel pulls out a piece of folded, mostly crumpled, paper and offers it to me with a knowing look. My cheeks instantly set on fire.

“You carry this letter around with you everywhere, clinging to the words that seem to bring you a sense of comfort.” Axel places it on my lap when my hands don’t obey. How long has he known? Opening my mouth to explain, he quickly holds up a hand to stop me, wincing at the sudden movement. “There’s no judgment here, Swan. All I’m saying is, if we’re talking about hidden demons, maybe you should start with what you’ve been hiding at the bottom of your bag.”

I frown at Mr. XO’s latest letter, having read it so much I know the contents by heart. The connection I’ve imagined into existence with the author is ridiculous, borderline psychotic. And Axel has been fully aware.

“Do the others know?” I ask beneath the sound of grunted exercise and the Coach’s hollering. Axel leaves his arm balanced on the book stack so I can toy with his fingers.

“Only Garrett, he was searching for a snack whilst watching your ballet practice the other day and came across it.” I puff out my cheeks, still blushing incredulously. If Garrett knows I’ve been hiding the letter and hasn’t blabbed to anyone, it’s because he’s preparing to use it as leverage against me. That could mean anything from a home cooked meal to anal whilst bent over the porch railing. He’s utterly unpredictable and completely desire driven like that.

“How am I supposed to use this for my assignment without the world finding out I’m utterly insane?” I gently lift Axel’s hand to cradle the side of my head. His need for comfort has reflected directly onto me. His thumb strokes my hair, not once complaining if I’m causing him any discomfort.

“Forget the assignment. Do it for yourself. Write him back.” I almost jolt right out of my seat.

“What?!”

“If you had the chance to meet him, what would you want to say? What do you think he deserves to know?” Axel’s hazel eyes hold my gaze, undeterred and serious. He really isn’t judging me for this at all. The corner of his mouth quirks up and all other worries fade away. “You said you’d run with whatever I choose.”

“Fine.” I agree, shoving down the tremor of excitement that sparks to life within me. “But I don’t want anyone to know, not even Garrett.” Axel nods in understanding. It’s not that I think the others would judge me either, but this part of my life is mine. It’s private, not something I want to share. I’ve held onto Mr. XO’s words like a dirty secret, but I’ve never once entertained the idea of penning a letter back.

The thud of bodies colliding reverberates in my chest as Huxley and Dax’s laughter bounces off the walls of the gym. The sharp whistle signals the end of practice, but I’m already in motion, packing up my belongings and lifting the stack of books on the bench beside me. My heart races with the need to get out of here before anyone starts asking questions.

“What’s the rush, Peach? Practice just finished.” Garrett is suddenly next to me, wiping his sweaty hair with his hoodie, his dark eyes scanning me with curiosity.

“Oh,” I blink rapidly, scrambling for an excuse, the first lie that pops into my head. “I totally forgot the library is closing early today. There’s an…annual inventory count happening tonight, and I need to get these books back or their numbers will be wrong.” The words come out in a rush, and I flash him a quick, nervous smile. Garrett raises an eyebrow, but before I can slip away, Dax steps in front of me, his tall frame blocking my exit.

“I don’t know of any inventory count,” he says, narrowing his eyes, clearly not buying my excuse. Behind him, Huxley scratches his scruffy jaw, watching me like I’m about to bolt.

“Really seems like something they’d have done in the holidays,” Huxley adds, his tone casual but pointed. I’m surrounded now, their attention heavy on me. The weight of the books in my arms is starting to strain my muscles, and my shoulders tremble under the pressure. Thankfully, Axel’s voice breaks the tension.

“No, she’s right,” he interjects, pushing himself up from the bench. “It was on the online bulletin board. All books need returning before four. I’ll walk her down.” He moves to stand, but as soon as he shifts his weight, a sharp gasp escapes him, and he stumbles. Garrett catches him instantly, his arm wrapping protectively around Axel’s waist.

“You aren’t going anywhere but home to bed,” Garrett declares, leaving no room for argument. He holds Axel close, the two of them slowly hobbling toward the locker room, Axel leaning on Garrett’s body.

I manage a small, awkward shrug, taking advantage of the moment to edge around Dax and Huxley. “Um, so…I’m just going to run these back. I’ll meet you guys at the house?” I glance between them, hoping they’ll let it go. But the tension is palpable, a nervous glance exchanged between the two. I get it. No one wants me walking alone, but at some point, I have to reclaim my independence.

“I won’t be long. Don’t forget your girl used to have a personal self-defense trainer,” I say, trying to inject some humor into the situation. Still, the books in my arms are getting heavier, and I’m starting to shake from the effort of holding them.

Dax and Huxley hesitate, their heads lowering as they share another look. They’re on the verge of relenting when Wyatt suddenly cuts through the group, his growl catching me off guard.

“I’ll walk you down,” Wyatt says, his voice low and hard. I hadn’t realized he’d been listening, but his sneakers are alreadychanged, and his bag is slung over his shoulder. Without waiting for my response, he takes the stack of books from my arms with ease.

“Wait, no—” I start to protest, but Wyatt’s already heading toward the door, his back to me.

“Come on. I don’t have time to waste,” he calls over his shoulder, leaving me no choice but to follow.

As we step out of the gym and onto the long road leading toward the courtyard, the cold air hits my face, biting through the thin layers of my T-shirt and sweater. I trail behind, glaring at the back of Wyatt’s head, wishing for a moment of peace. What’s a girl got to do to be left alone around here? The rest of the Shadowed Souls might be obsessed with keeping me safe, but Wyatt? I didn’t think he cared. Yet here he is, acting like he’s doing me some grand favor. He doesn’t speak, nor does he look back, but I make a point of flipping him off, knowing he won’t see.

We walk in silence, the rhythmic crunch of our shoes against the frosty path filling the quiet. At the end of the road, just before we reach the courtyard, Wyatt suddenly stops short. I barely stop myself from crashing into his back, stumbling to keep my balance. He turns, his expression unreadable, and deposits the books back into my arms.

“You’ve got an hour max before the guys come looking,” he says, his voice dropping lower, more serious. “Whatever shady shit you’re up to, spend your time wisely.” I blink at him, surprised.

“And where are you going?” I raise a brow, quickly getting over the shock of his gesture. I’m not foolish enough to think Wyatt lied just to cover my back, but also to protect himself. We’re each other’s alibi’s here.

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