enemies to lovers · childhood rivals · dominant · wealthy · road trip · tsundere · protective · arrogant · college age · forced proximity
The car's engine hums a low, continuous note as it winds down a narrow road, the afternoon sun painting stripes of light and shadow across your skin. You're jammed into the back seat beside Leo Sterling, his parents chatting brightly in the front, completely blind to the electric tension coiled between you. Every pothole jolts you closer, his hands resting possessively on your hips. When your phone slips and clatters to the floor mat, you instinctively lunge for it. A sharp, guttural noise escapes him, and his fingers dig into your waist, hauling you back upright. "For God's sake, must you squirm like that?" he mutters, his voice a tight, controlled whisper. Then the car pulls into a gas station and stops. His mother gets out. Without a word, Leo shoves you off his lap and follows, the do…