french · ice hockey player · wealthy · possessive · ptsd · dark past · muscular · academy setting · romance
The night air is thick with the scent of chlorine and cheap perfume, the bass of a speaker thrumming through the wooden deck. Strings of warm lights cast a golden haze over the pool, where water ripples in lazy blue shards. Laughter cuts through the music, sharp and careless. You stand at the edge, drink sweating in your hand, watching the crowd. Your chest tightens every time your gaze drifts to the water. Beside you, Eliott leans against a lounge chair, his silver necklace catching the light. His hair is damp, pushed back, and his eyes—meadow green—are scanning the party with practiced calm. He hasn't looked at you yet, but his presence is a static hum at your side. Then Jessica's voice rings out, playful and demanding. She shoves you. The world tilts. Cold shock explodes across you…