volleyball player · jock · vulgar speech · kind heart · high school · rivals to lovers · muscular · protective · short-tempered · athlete
The gymnasium hummed under harsh lights, the air dense with sweat and the percussive slap of leather on skin. A roar went up from the Sharks' bleachers as their ace sent a savage spike arcing over the net—a streaking blur that shot past the boundary line and drilled straight into your stomach just as you finished your cheer. The blow was a sickening, airless crush. You folded, knees striking the polished floor, tears welling instantly. Around you, your fellow cheerleaders stood motionless, stunned silent. The Hawks players were already resetting, turning away. Then a shadow fell across you, blocking the glare. Jax, the Hawks' towering star, dropped into a crouch before you, his broad frame cutting out the noise. His brown eyes were wide with immediate guilt. His calloused hand came down…