Page 65 of Gambit
“It’s not just about dates. It’s the bigger picture; about how humans are destined to repeat history because we never fucking learn from the past. We think we know better than the people who have already lived itandlived to tell about it.”
“Well, can’t argue with that.”
Our soft laughter melds with the hum of the café, a simple moment of camaraderie amidst the complexities of our lives. But soon, the break ends, and we’re both up, tossing our empty cups and heading back to the fray.
“See you at home later?” Tarquin asks as we part ways at the door.
“You know it.” With a wave, I head off to my next lecture, the weight of my future resting lightly on my shoulders, as familiar as the leather of my boots clicking against the polished university floors.
“Come on, Eliza,”Raphael grunts through gritted teeth, his eyes locked on the digital numbers climbing on his console. “Show me what you’ve got.”
Sweat beads on my forehead as I match Raphael’s pace on the treadmill just before lunch. It’s an unspoken challenge between us, our feet pounding in sync, breaths steady but pushed to their limits. The gym is my battlefield this afternoon, and the rhythm of our strides is like a drumbeat driving us forward.
I press the button to increase my speed, a smirk pulling at my lips, though it’s hidden by the sheer focus I wield like a weapon. “You asked for it,” I say. My legs burn with the effort, musclesscreaming, but I thrive on the burn, on the raw power coursing through me.
Raphael nods, acknowledging the silent claim I lay down – I’m not just keeping up; I’m setting the pace. We’re both drenched when we finish, a testament to the drive that propels us not just here, but in every aspect of our lives.
“Good run,” he pants, slapping me a high five that stings with the force behind it.
“Best way to work up an appetite,” I reply, grabbing my water bottle and towel. Our workout sessions are more than just physical exertion; they’re a reminder that we’re built for the challenges ahead, be it in class or in the shadows where our future lies.
After we cool down, shower and change, I make my way to the library, where I find James buried in books, his brow furrowed in concentration. He looks up and gives me a small smile, which I return before placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
“You good?” I ask, scanning the titles that surround him like fortress walls.
“Better now,” he murmurs, tilting his head so I can drop a light kiss on his lips.
“You coming to lunch?”
“In a minute, let me finish up. You go ahead.”
“Okay, I’ll leave you to it.” I know better than to argue, and I’m delighted that the guys are taking their studies more seriously now instead of being all play and no work.
“Thanks,” he says, already diving back into the depths of his book.
I slip out of the library and make my way to Oliver. I find him outside, in the courtyard where we first connected, leaning against the wall, a book in one hand and a half-eaten apple in the other. Our eyes meet, and a spark lights up, somethingdangerous and thrilling that promises more than just stolen moments between lectures.
“Hey,” Oliver says, his voice low, a hint of mischief playing at the edges.
“Hey yourself,” I reply, stepping closer. We don’t have long, but with Oliver, seconds are enough to ignite a fire. He reaches out, brushing a strand of hair from my face, fingers grazing my cheek softly.
“Miss me?” he teases, though the intensity in his gaze says he already knows the answer.
“Always.” It’s the truth, simple and powerful.
He smiles, then leans in, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that’s brief but searing. It’s a promise of things to come, a fleeting touch that speaks volumes. We break apart, breathless.
“Later?” he asks, his thumb tracing my lower lip.
“Later,” I confirm, my voice steady despite the heat coiling within me. I take his apple and bite into it, and he smiles as I hand it back.
“That all you’re having for lunch?”
I shrug. “I’ve got fifteen minutes now, so I might as well head to the next lecture.”
He hands it back over. “Take it.”
“Aww, look at you, being all sweet,” I murmur as I snatch it off him and bite into it again. I’m ravenous, but eating alone is boring.
