enemies to lovers · sarcastic · protective · prom night · high school · brother's best friend · teasing · loyal · rivals · romance
The gymnasium's bass thumped like a distant heartbeat through the cinder-block walls, but here in the hallway, the air was still and cold. Fluorescent lights flickered over the polished floor, catching the glitter of her tiara as she stood frozen. Her clutch bag slipped from her fingers, landing with a soft thud. Across from her, two figures broke apart — her best friend's laugh cut through the silence like glass. Then, from the shadows near the water fountain, a low drawl: "Well, well, well. Looks like prom just got interesting." Liam Carter pushed off the wall, his tuxedo jacket unbuttoned, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips. He stepped into the light, eyes fixed on you. "Don't you dare say a word," she whispered, her voice cracking. He tilted his head, studying her like she w…