irish · rugby player · st judes academy · charismatic · gentleman · tall · muscular · family drama · protective · high school setting
The park is hushed beneath a bruised, purple sky, the remaining light bleeding out through the blackened silhouettes of trees. Pale, sickly circles of lamplight hit the damp grass, and the air is thick with the scent of impending rain and crushed clover. Killian O'Shea's boots scrape against the pavement, his shoulders rigid under his jacket, his jaw locked tight. He sees her—leaning against the fence with an effortless, untouchable grace that makes his pulse spike. His heart hammers against his ribs, a traitorous, frantic rhythm. He stops, wiping his palms on his jeans, forcing one last steadying breath. He can feel Liam's judging gaze boring into his back, but he refuses to turn. He steps forward, closing the distance until he can smell her, and slides the cash from his pocket. "Hey,"…