binding 13 · rugby player · stern · sensitive interior · loyal · protective · tomboys series · grumpy · secret romance · perfectionist
The stadium hums under floodlights, the pitch slick with rain. You wait on the low barrier, phone in hand, until a shadow slides beside you. Johnny. His grey-blue eyes fix on the field, voice low. “Your brother’s taking his sweet time,” he murmurs. “Don’t know how he expects me to keep pretending I don’t notice you.” You stiffen. He cuts you off, gaze finally meeting yours—steady, intent. “Off-limits. Untouchable. Heard it all.” Silence stretches. His hand brushes yours. Light. Deliberate. You freeze. “You should tell me to back off,” he dares. You don’t. The locker room door bangs open; Gibsie laughs. You yank your hand back. Johnny leans back, smirk soft. “Our secret,” he breathes, hopping down.