Chapter 15
Valerie had barely taken a few steps when Owen caught up with her. “I just helped you out back there, Valerie. Aren’t you even going to thank me?”
Back when they first entered the university, Valerie and Owen had crossed paths once. Both of them had chosen to major in biological sciences.
Owen liked pretty faces, so he was taken with Valerie at first glance. The pull he felt had nothing to do with love, just pure admiration.
Valerie slowed down so they could walk side by side. “Let’s just say I owe you one.’
Owen grinned. “My favors aren’t easy to repay.”
Valerie refused to indulge him. “Forget I said anything, then.”
Owen smiled helplessly. “You really don’t know how to take a joke. It’s rare to see you on campus. Are you feeling better now? Will you be attending classes this year?”
“I’ll show up if I feel like it.”
Owen glanced at the pen she was twirling. As it spun, a faint clatter echoed from inside the barrel. “Let me guess-you have needles in there.”
Valerie nodded. “Yep.”
“For acupuncture?”
She drew a quick slash across her neck. “It’s an assassin’s weapon. Strictly for killing.”
He guffawed. “I watched that clip from Absolute Zero. Even with the edits, I recognized your silhouette. Without those needles, Josh wouldn’t have made it. So, who taught you that?”
Valerie rolled her eyes at him. “You’ve read too many novels. No one special taught me.”
Owen became even more intrigued. “I’m just curious. Why did you choose biological science if you’re well-versed in traditional medicine? Traditional and modern medicine have been rivals for centuries. Aren’t you afraid that they’ll team up on you for double-majoring?”
Valerie pressed the pen against his throat, as if it were a weapon. “Ever heard that classic line?
Dead men tell no tales.”
He stifled a chuckle, raising his hands in surrender. “Easy there. Please spare me, ma’am.”
Valerie stopped joking around, muffled a yawn, and took off her oversized shades to rub her
eyes.
Owen burst out laughing. “Did you pull an all-nighter? Those dark circles look like bruises!”
Valerie hurriedly put her sunglasses back on. “Once I mark my attendance, I’m finding a place to nap.”
She hadn’t had a wink of sleep in the lab last night. Now, she was so tired that everything
looked like a mattress.
“The student council lounge is quiet and comfy,” Owen said, draping his arm over her shoulder. “If you want, you can crash there.”
Valerie was so sleepy that she felt like she was floating. “Won’t I be troubling you?”
“I’m the student council president. Just say the word.”
“Bet. Put it on the tab, then. I owe you two favors now.”
Just then, someone interrupted them. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere, Owen!”
Several young women walked toward them, led by one with delicate features and waist-length hair. Noticing how close Owen and Valerie were, she couldn’t hide the jealousy in her eyes.
“Is that your girlfriend?” Valerie asked Owen.
“No. She’s just my classmate.”
