Blackstone Academy: The Rogue

30. Troy Roman

Troy P.O.V

Date: October 28, 2238

"Everybody gather around!" Andrew yelled from the middle of the track, clapping his hands together. A navy jogging suit covered his muscular six-foot-two frame with a matching cap placed backward on his head. His clothing sported a few wrinkles but was otherwise sweat-free, unlike my team members and mine.

The nineteen of my team members and I panted as we jogged across the field and formed a semi-circle around him. We had just finished our first practice for the upcoming competition. It had been a long, grueling session since Andrew was still assessing everyone's skills and how we worked as a team. After an hour and a half of non-stop running, every muscle in my legs screamed in protest. Only a warm shower would help soothe my aching muscles, and I would take one as soon as he dismissed us.

"We have a little over a month to practice for the Training Games." Andrew continued, pulling his clipboard from underneath his arm. "In our next practice, we will do the same as today. Everyone will race against each other while I record your time. Remember, the two people with the most consistent fastest time will complete the first event. Any questions?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Alright, good job, everyone. I'll see you next week!" Andrew smiled as he turned and entered the student dorm.

Nova bumped her shoulder against mine as everyone slowly dispersed. "Stacy and I are going to help Ms. Eve pack up Ms. Jacob's room. Will the two of you come and help haul everything away?"

"Yeah. When?"

"Like in fifteen minutes, that should give us time to shower and grab something quick to eat."

"Alright, cool."

"Troy!" A cheery feminine voice called from behind me. The three of us stopped and spun around.

"H..." I started but swallowed the greeting as my eyes locked on my ex.

"They convinced you to compete in the games again?" Karla asked, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand as she looked up at me.

I grunted.

She sighed and rubbed her forehead at my lackadaisical response. "Troy, can we talk? Alone?"

"I can't. I've got something to do, Karla."

"This will only take a minute. You can "clean up" in my room, and then we can talk." She purred as her eyes leisurely trailed down the length of my body.

"No-"

"Jax, we should leave them alone to talk," Nova interjected. She didn't wait for Jax's response as she turned and headed towards the dorm entrance.

Goddamn it.

"Wait, Nova!" I called, gently grabbing her arm and stopping her. She tugged her arm from my grip, crossed her arms over her chest, and turned back to face me. "Please don't read too much into what she's saying."

"I'm not." She firmly replied. "But I think she really needs to talk to you. So Jax and I will meet you later." She added before she turned and went inside the building.

"Bro, can I give you some advice?" Jax asked as the breeze blew, cooling my heated skin and rustling the leaves.

"Hmm?"

"Talk to Karla and completely end it before you go after Nova." Jax patted me on the shoulder before he followed Nova.

I deeply inhaled, turning to face Karla. "What was that?!"