Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
“You like physics?” I ask, surprised.
“Aye, I do,” he admits. “It’s all about understanding how the world works and the laws that govern everything around us. There’s a certain beauty to it.”
Looking at him now, he doesn’t come across as a dangerous criminal who works for my father. He looks like a lad who could be attending university or college. He’s the right age to be studying for a degree in a subject he’s passionate about.
I smile, feeling a sense of connection. “I never thought of it that way. I usually just think of it as hard and shite.”
He chuckles. It’s a warm, rich sound that makes me feel at ease. “It can be. But once ya understand the basics, it starts to make sense. Want some help?”
“Aye, I’d love that,” I say, feeling a thrill of excitement.
We spend the next hour going over my physics problems. Hadrian explains things in a way that makes them seem simpler, more logical. His patience and clarity are impressive, and I find myself actually enjoying the subject for the first time.
“Thank you,” I say sincerely when we’re done. “You’re a great teacher.”
“Anytime,” he replies, his eyes meeting mine, and I can’t stop my heart from thudding against my chest. “I’m glad I could help.”
There’s a moment of silence—a tense pause where I feel like there’s so much more I want to say, but I don’t know how to begin.
Does he feel it too?
Before I can find the words, Hadrian rises to his feet, breaking the spell.
“I should get back to work before ye da comes lookin’ for me,” he says, his tone tinged with a hint of regret. “But if you ever need help again, just let me know.”
“I will,” I promise, watching him as he walks away.
In the days that follow, Hadrian and I continue to cross paths. We have brief conversations, and each interaction leaves me wanting to know more about him. I look forward to our encounters, finding any excuse to spend time with him.
One evening, I find myself back in the library, this time reading a novel. The house is quiet, the only sound the faint ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner of the room. I’m so engrossed in the story that I don’t hear Hadrian come in until he speaks.
“Good book?”
I look up, startled but pleased to see him. “Aye, it’s by one of my favourite authors.”
He smiles and sits down next to me. “What’s it about?”
“Well, it’s a thriller. There’s a stalker tryin’ to get to this lass who’s just married a handsome, wealthy business owner. I’m convinced it’s his ex-girlfriend, but there are so many twists.”
He listens attentively. “And what makes ya think it’s the ex-girlfriend?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure. It’s just that she keeps popping up everywhere, even though he’s told her to leave him alone. It’s been over a year since they broke up. They stayed mates for a while, but he noticed she’s still fancies him, so he told her to walk away. He can’t handle her shite.”
“Hmm, and are there any other suspects?” he asks with a smile, his interest endearing.
I shake my head. “Not really. I mean, she’s the obvious choice.”
“Sometimes, things that seem the most obvious aren’t always the answer.”
I’m not sure what Hadrian means by that. It doesn’t make sense to me, but then again, with all the plot twists in the book so far, perhaps he’s right.
“Maybe.”
We sit in silence for a while, and it feels like we’re the only two people in the world, cocooned in this quiet, intimate space.
As the evening continues, our conversation shifts to more personal topics.
“Will you tell me about where you’re from?” I ask.
“It isn’t a great place. My mam died when Hades and I were young, so Da raised us on his own, but he wasn’t a good man. We learnt early on that you have to fight for what you want in life. Nothing comes easy.”
“I’m sorry.”
He shrugs it off, but I can tell it weighs on him. “My brother was with me. We’ve been close all our lives. I can’t imagine my life without him. I didn’t need any friends, because I had Hades. In many ways, I think that makes us lucky.”
“And you left home?”
He nods then. “Aye, we finally walked out on the shite we put up with when Da was in one of his moods, which was most days. We moved around a lot after that, tryin’ ta find our way, and finally landed in Newcastle.”
“But, it’s not that far from where you grew up,” I say softly, and he nods once more.
“Aye, but at the time, it felt like it was worlds away.” His voice lowers to a mere whisper, and leaning in closer to hear what he’s saying, his warmth cocoons me.
“What about school?” I ask then, realising he hasn’t mentioned anything about his studies.