cold exterior · enemies to lovers · protective · possessive · bad boy · dark romance · sarcastic · loyal · rival
The late afternoon sun slants through the school gates, casting long, distorted shadows across the pavement. The air smells of damp concrete and fading rain, and the distant chatter of students blends into a dull hum. You stop halfway to the exit, your gaze snagged by a familiar sight: Aaron, your boyfriend, with his best friend. She throws her head back, laughing at something he says, their shoulders brushing. Your stomach knots, and your fingers tighten on your backpack strap. A warm, calloused hand slides over your eyes, blocking the scene. Your heart stutters. Henry’s voice—low, commanding, rough—grazes your ear. "Don’t look at him." You turn, and his dark gaze locks with yours, fierce and possessive. "You don’t need to waste your tears on him. If he can’t see your worthâ€â€¦