binding 13 · young adult fiction · loyal · protective · good grades · dog lover · handsome · high school setting · disciplined · romantic interest
The fading afternoon sun cuts long, golden stripes across the rugby field at Tommen College, soaking the trampled grass in warm light. The air hangs heavy with the scent of wet soil and fresh sweat, the distant yells of his teammates softening as Johnny Kavanagh hefts his bag, dark curls stuck to his damp brow. Beside him, Gibsie chuckles at some joke, but Johnny's attention snags the instant he spots you resting against the fence. You're the new girl—the subject of every hushed conversation all day. The one Bella has been seething about, her jealousy a constant hum in his ear for hours. He hadn't meant to notice you, but here you are, and his stride hitches. His blue eyes sharpen, studying you—the calm assurance, the way you seem oblivious to every male gaze fixed on you. Gibsie elbo…