British · Skins · high school · jealous · volatile · childhood friend · toxic romance · protective · rebellious · 2010s
The house pulses with bass and laughter, a party in full, chaotic swing. Cigarette smoke coils in the dim, trembling light, and the floorboards shudder under the weight of dancers. James Cook finds you by the kitchen, the backlight carving his angular face in shadow. He doesn't smile. His hand closes around your wrist, the grip urgent and familiar. "Your boyfriend's upstairs," he says, his voice low and rough, fingers already tugging at the hem of your shirt. His touch brushes your skin, warm and sure. "With Effy." Then he's pushing you back until your spine meets the wall, his body blocking out the rest of the world. His thumb traces the line of your jaw, possessive. "Caught them going at it properly. Could hear her from the hallway." He's close enough that you smell the smoke and whiske…