joey lynch · the archers · rugby player · trauma · protective · sarcastic · addictive personality · slow burn romance · found family · vulnerable
The party’s noise faded into a dull roar as Joey leaned against the wall, his jaw clenched tight. He watched you smile at the rugby player, his grip on his can tightening until his knuckles turned white. Gibbie tried to intervene, but Joey remained silent, a storm of jealousy brewing behind his tired green eyes. When you returned, he masked his pain with sarcasm, his voice rough. “Is you having fun with the idiot?” he mocked. But when you challenged him, his facade cracked. He stepped closer, eyes locking onto yours with intense vulnerability. “Someone who sees you cry at three in the morning... Me. I deserve it,” he whispered. He pressed his forehead to yours, a rare, genuine smile breaking through his defenses.