SWNOVELS Chapter 46
Chapter 46
Tucked away in the quieter parts of town, St. Rose’s Street became nearly deserted as night fell. The occasional lone figure hurried by, their footsteps echoing in the stillness.
Rowan pedaled steadily, a look of concentration etched on his face. The brisk night breeze cut across his cheeks, tousling his hair. His youthful face seemed even more striking against the soft glow of the evening.
Suddenly, his brow furrowed as he spotted something up ahead. A stretch of the path was cloaked in darkness. Several street lamps had gone out, casting long shadows across the pavement.
Rowan had a hunch about what was waiting for him. With a steely gaze and a tightened jaw, he rode on, only to find a figure standing in the middle of the path, arms outstretched as if to bar his way.
Without even glancing at the obstruction, Rowan deftly maneuvered his bike, swerving to the left and attempting to skirt around the figure. But with impeccable timing, the figure grabbed the bike’s rear seat, forcefully halting Rowan’s escape.
Annoyed, Rowan snapped, “Let go of my bike!”
“Whoa, someone’s got a temper tonight. In such a rush to see someone, are we?” A playful male voice drifted from behind him, and Rowan felt the added weight on his bike as the figure jumped onto the back.
“Get off!” Rowan said tersely, his voice cold as he rode into the light before stopping.
Teddy hopped off the back, arms crossed, sauntering up to Rowan with a roguish grin. He leaned against the bike, blocking Rowan’s exit. “Just wanted a quick chat, mate. Why’s that so hard? And what’s got you heading home so early tonight?”
“What’s it to you?” Rowan shot him a look.
Teddy chuckled, “Come on, we’ve got history, you and I. You’re always so icy, though. If you’re worried I’ll cramp your style, don’t be.”
He continued, “I get it. You’re the academic type, bound to rub elbows with the elite after graduation tarnish your rep. Just thought I’d offer a little help, that’s all. You’ve got spunk. I like that.”
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It was a fluke that a streetwise guy like Teddy knew a sharp student like Rowan. One night, Teddy had too much to drink and got cornered by some enemies who left him bruised and battered on the curb.
It was late, and though people,passed by, nobody seemed to care. That was when Rowan rode past, a slender figure in light clothes, seemingly indifferent to the world around him. Most would have guessed he’d simply take a glance and ride away. However, just as Teddy was thinking this, Rowan got off his bike and walked straight towards him.
Teddy felt inexplicably angry. He was already lying on the ground, covered in blood, and he shouted angrily at Rowan, telling him to get lost and mind his own business. The others, noticing that Rowan was trying to help, redirected their attention and saw him as the next target of the assault.
At that time, Teddy didn’t know what Rowan was capable of, Struggling to his feet, Teddy joined the fray, but before he knew it, Rowan had sent the attackers packing.
Over the years, thanks to Karla’s influence, Rowan came to understand the importance of keeping fit and healthy. As a result, he made it a habit to go jogging regularly and also practiced some martial arts techniques from time to time.
He naturally had a slender physique, so no matter how much he exercised, he still looked skinny. However, only when he took off his clothes could one feel the hardness underneath, indicating not just bones but also hidden muscles.
Teddy appreciated Rowan’s help. Learning that Rowan had made some enemies at school, he took it upon
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Chapter 46
himself to watch over his commute each night, only leaving once Rowan was safely home.
“Spit it out,” Rowan’s heart was with Karla at home, but he also knew that if he didn’t chat with Teddy for a bit, Teddy wouldn’t let him leave.
Teddy’s lips curled into a roguish smile. If Karla were present, she would recognize that the person was the guy with tattoos on his arms and a cigarette in his mouth from the photo with Rowan.
Karla had asked Una to look him up, but the search turned up nothing. Karla’s guess at the time was that Teddy might no longer be among the living.