Chapter 23: [20] Exceptional by Design
Xavier kept pace with Calypso as they followed the surge of students toward the main campus, his eyes constantly sweeping the crowd. The silver-haired goddess marched ahead with rigid posture, still refusing to acknowledge him beyond necessity.
And that's when Xavier noticed it—the lingering stares, the not-so-subtle nudges between friends, the way conversations halted as Calypso passed.
Without thinking, Xavier closed the distance between them, positioning himself directly behind Calypso. Close enough to block wandering hands, far enough to maintain the illusion of casual proximity.
"What are you doing?" Calypso said over her shoulder, finally breaking her silence.
"Making sure we get to orientation on time," he replied, voice neutral even as his eyes tracked a muscular student whose gaze had dropped well below Calypso's waistline.
She followed his line of sight and rolled her eyes. "Please. I've been ogled by actual gods. I can handle a few hormonal teenagers."
"I'm sure you can." Xavier placed a hand on her lower back, gently steering her through a bottleneck in the crowd. "But if you send someone through a wall for copping a feel, it might complicate things."
"I wouldn't—" Calypso began, then stopped herself. Her cheeks flushed pink. "Fine. Whatever. Just don't get used to playing bodyguard."
They entered the main quad, a sprawling open space dominated by a massive crystal fountain. Students streamed toward an imposing building with a domed roof—presumably the auditorium.
Xavier's hand remained at the small of Calypso's back. He frowned at the realization, then frowned deeper when he couldn't bring himself to remove it.
Why the hell do I care? She's literally a goddess. She sent me here. She's the reason I'm in this mess.