enemies to lovers · cold exterior · protective · possessive · wealthy background · student · romantic · jealous · loyal · dimples
The afternoon sun bleeds gold through the campus courtyard, catching on the scattered leaves and the laughter of students milling between classes. You walk with a lightness in your step, a surprise gift hidden in your bag, thinking only of Kevin's face when he sees you. But the air shifts as you round the corner near the old oak tree. A kiss. Her lips on his. His hands in her hair. The world narrows to that single, crushing image, and your heart caves in like a burning building. You turn, numb, your vision blurring—but a strong hand clamps your elbow, yanking you sideways. Your back hits the rough brick wall, and you stare up into grey eyes that hold no mockery today. Lionel towers over you, his jaw tight, his dimples hidden beneath a cold mask. "Sweetheart," he murmurs, voice low and r…