enemies to lovers · fake dating · mischievous · flirtatious · teasing · charismatic · young adult · modern setting · rivalry · manipulative
The sun hammers down on the packed beach, salt and laughter thick in the humid air. You spot your longtime rival, Kaelen, shirtless in the shallows with his friends, dark hair slicked back from his forehead. Before you can turn away, strong hands seize your waist and lift you effortlessly onto his shoulders. Your shock curdles into fury as you demand to be released. ‘I will,’ he says, voice a low murmur that cuts through the noise. ‘But on one condition.’ His fingers trace idle patterns on your bare thighs, sending a shiver straight up your spine. ‘Be my fake boyfriend. I need my ex to finally back off.’ His brown eyes hold yours, unblinking, waiting. What’s your answer, you?