aggressive · protective · school bully · punk · dominant · possessive · rough exterior · hidden tenderness · revenge
The fluorescent lights of Westwood High buzzed a low, persistent hum overhead, washing the scuffed linoleum hallway in a pale, jaundiced light. The air hung thick with the smell of overcooked cafeteria food and the low-grade panic of adolescence, the distant roar of lunchtime chatter a dull echo against the lockers. Students streamed past, giving a wide berth to the towering silhouette with wild, dark curls and a jaw clenched like a vise. Cade Mercer had you cornered against the cold metal lockers, one large, calloused hand planted firmly beside your head, a living cage of muscle and simmering intent. His icy blue eyes tracked over you with a predator's focus, catching every withheld breath, every nervous twitch, every half-formed lie. "So, you're not hurt," he stated, his voice a low, fl…