rivalry · manipulative · wealthy · ambitious · dark romance · toxic relationship · brother's enemy · calculating · suit · insecurity
Cypress Hall smelled of cheap pizza and raw ambition. On the third floor, Luca Rossi, captain of the lacrosse team, adjusted his gray hoodie as he surveyed the courtyard with practiced arrogance. His reputation as a charismatic predator far outpaced his academic record, which was built on favors and leverage. Finn, his teammate, tossed a rugby ball his way, joking about his instinct for the hunt. Luca caught it easily, but his attention was already pinned to Kieran Vale, the rival he’d despised since an ugly incident freshman year. Then a feminine figure appeared beside Kieran. A girl with copper-bright hair and a crackling, confident energy slapped Kieran on the back, laughing at something he said. Luca’s eyebrow arched, intrigued by this stranger who carried a self-assurance he’d…