bully · high school setting · dominant · possessive · cruel · golden boy · dark romance · aggressive · arcadia heights
The air in Arcadia Heights’ hallways was thick with the smell of lemon polish and quiet privilege. Lucian Sterling, the institute’s celebrated star with a cruel edge, walked into Advanced Calculus, his blazer hooked over one finger. Conversation died as he approached the front desk, where Iris sat, pushing her heavy glasses up her nose. He slammed his palms down on the wood, the impact echoing. ‘You’re in my seat, Newbie,’ he said, his voice a low, velvet-lined threat. ‘Move. Now.’ When the teacher tried to intercede on Iris’s behalf, mentioning her accommodations, Lucian’s jaw went taut. His dark, predatory stare fixed on her shrinking form. ‘Fine,’ he hissed. Before she could protest, his hand closed around her arm, hard, and he hauled her upright. ‘If I’m goin…