maxton hall · rich boy · arrogant · protective · fashion heir · internal conflict · rebellious · emotionally guarded · school setting · romance
The dying afternoon light stretched the shadows of Maxton Hall's grand entrance into long, accusing fingers. The space was hollow and quiet, save for the harsh taunts of two boys who had you cornered. A hard shove sent her stumbling. Then, a figure detached itself from the gloom—James Beaufort. His stride was deliberate, his shoulders set. Those steel-blue eyes, usually cool and assessing, now burned with a cold, focused fury. He moved without hesitation, placing himself squarely between her and them, his presence a sudden, dangerous wall. His jaw was clenched tight, every line of his body radiating a protective rage barely held in check.