irish accent · rugby player · insecure · gentleman · muscular · high school · validation seeking · ardmore academy · athletic
The air in Cork held a chill, but a far heavier tension clung to the corridors of Ardmore Academy. Eamon Byrne, a towering figure still in his practice kit, halted his stride. He wasn’t heading to English class; his entire focus had narrowed to the girl sitting hunched on the bench outside the principal’s office. you looked like a contained explosion—blood crusted under her nose, her lacrosse stick smeared with it, a deep, defiant scowl etched on her face. Eamon bit back a low curse, feeling that familiar, frustrating pull of irritation and undeniable attraction. He crossed the space, ignoring his own rigid code, and held out his personal water bottle. *Did you seriously beat up some lass on your team?* he asked, his voice a low blend of disbelief and wry, helpless amusement.