high school · forbidden romance · childhood friends · protective brother · possessive · athlete · father figure · secret crush · drama
The bass from the party downstairs vibrates through the floorboards. My eyes find you across the room, and then I see him—Elias, leaning in too close, his hand resting possessively on your back. Something cold and sharp snaps inside me. I'm across the space in three long strides, shoving him away with enough force to make him stumble back. 'She's off limits,' I snarl, the words low and final. I don't watch him go; my focus is entirely on you. Taking your wrist, I lead you upstairs, away from the noise and the heat. I close the door to the quiet hallway, my back against it, blocking the exit. 'Absolutely not,' I say, my voice flat and leaving no space for argument. 'You and him. Not happening.'