It seemed like an eternity had passed since Brendan had last caught a glimpse of the beautiful girl that had recently saved his life.
Everything about her had been a refreshing change from those who simpered over him night and day and lied to his face.
If Brendan didn't get in her good graces today, tomorrow might be too late.
As he was certain that such a late bloomer was not going to be known for her moral character but only for her loveliness.
The last few hours he had tossed and turned alone in bed counting the time to breakfast, watching the clock in his bedroom helplessly as the minutes passed.
He disappointed those who would give everything to run his errands for him by wanting to do the most ordinary things himself.
Still they made space for him at their table, offering him the best seat and view of the entire room.
As they surveyed others that entered after them from their lofty perch as they looked down on others.
At this table only those students from predominantly wealthy backgrounds could even dream of communing with those of similar caliber at this table.
Brendan actually stood in line to fill his own breakfast tray and he stared at the entrance fixated with the idea of possessing Charm.
Praying to get an eyeful of his rescuer and all her magnificent charm.
Just by Brendan walking into the crowded dining room was like a breath of fresh air.
The young man who normally gave off a devil may care attitude and bored look.
Now looked so devilishly bright-eyed and full of youthful vigor and boundless energy as if some time during the wee hours of the night he found his purpose in life.
He sat, ignoring the company of his friends and impatiently watching the entrance while he waited.
Connor Richardson who had also been on the yacht with Brendan sat amused as he watched his best friend try to get some tail.
He looked as dashing as ever and was in a great mood since he heard his great uncle had kicked the bucket that morning and left him a sizable share of his estate.
Connor was even richer now than he had gone to bed last night and money was everything to him.
"Will you marry me Kitty Kat?" asked Theodore Shirley softly.
His gaze centered on Katherine Depass, one of the trio of the new additions to the school.
Her father's newly minted empire in the fashion industry granted her a temporary reprieve and seat at the table.
The problem with new money was that it did not always last, easy come, easy go.
These vultures couldn't wait to see what side of the coin Kat would end up on as nothing was more entertaining than a fall from grace.
Theodore Shirley was horny, with a fierce will to flirt and the moment he first laid eyes on Kat she ticked off all his requirements on the girlfriend list.
Known for being lighthearted, with sunny disposition and a slender frame.
He looked like the male version of Kat, he was always fashionably dressed, with not a hair or stitch out of place, he would never mingle with others unless he looked impeccable.
Theo frowned slightly since just like all the other nameless insignificant girls seated in the dining room none of them took him seriously, Kat didn't even bat an eye in his direction.
Judging by her reaction she only had eyes for Brendan but Theo wasn't the type to give up since he had already asked twice already.
What a crying shame, they all whispered amongst themselves.
Brendan, the young God they worshiped, looked all too human as he pined over that mortal slip of a girl.
Their tongues could not stop wagging as they blew hot air into one another's ears.
They did everything to divert his attention from spilling drinks, to flicking food on him but still he ignored their horrid laughter and dumb conversation.
Still Brendan ignored them all, determined to get his opportunity to see Charm again and get to know her better.
Brendan had wondered briefly just how long she would remain under bed rest, none of them had been allowed to visit her while she slept.
If she didn't show that morning Brendan was even contemplating sneaking in through her bedroom window that night to see her, that's how desperate he felt.
He knew that she was exhausted and needed time to recuperate but since they had not known each other long he didn't want Charm to forget him either.
In Brendan's mind, their kiss had been magical, it had meant the world to him and he would do everything in his power just to get another taste of those sweet lips.
At last, he laid eyes on Charm but she didn't seem to notice him, making a beeline straight for Zinc, Brendan's heart raced and he simply acted without thinking.
His body moved on its own accord as he deliberately stood in front of her blocking her line of vision from Zinc.
She couldn't know yet that there was no way he would allow her to get with Zinc not while he was still breathing.
He was sure of himself, the longer Charm stayed in his presence the more he felt she would be swayed to see things his way.
To him it was to feel like they were the only two people standing in the room and everyone else had long since been forgotten.
Charm was having the opposite reaction, she didn't feel like the dining room was welcoming at all and the Brendan guy had gone and made her the center of attention.
Maybe it's the lack of windows contributing to the tense atmosphere in the room.
To her that was something odd to be thinking about at a time like this.
Literally, it felt like Charm was grasping at straws and was looking around for anything that would distract her from meeting Brendan's gaze.
As her skin felt flushed from the heat radiating from his body, that's how close he stood to her.
That only the food tray separated them or it seemed like he would have swept Charm off of her feet and into his open arms.
"Come sit with us," offered Brendan as he took the breakfast tray from Charm with one hand and with the other he led her over to his table.
Brendan was doing something out of character, he was inviting a virtual stranger to their table and everyone seemed too shocked to consider this.