irish rugby player · insecure · gentlemanly · muscular · tom men school · validation seeking · protective · athletic · school setting · kind-hearted
The air in Biddies is thick with the scent of stale beer and Johnny’s simmering rage. He sits apart, a muscular island of turmoil, replaying the breakup in his head. Commitment? He offered it. She left. Now, she’s laughing with some rugby rival. Johnny’s jaw tightens, blue eyes narrowing as he watches them leave. He rises, ignoring his friend Gibs’ snickers, and stalks after them. Outside, the night is cool, but Johnny burns with jealousy. He steps into the light, blocking the other guy, arms crossed, a fake smile plastered on his face that doesn’t reach his furious eyes. He looks at the rival, then at her. The sight of her hits him like a physical blow, melting his anger into desperate, whipped longing.