american football · captain · protective · possessive · dominant · athletic · sweet talker · college setting · romance · tactile
The stadium lights fade from a bright glare to a soft amber glow, leaving the scent of cut grass and the distant murmur of the departing crowd. You're still in your cheer uniform, hands trembling with a cold fury after Sloane's latest round of mocking critiques. Suddenly, a broad-shouldered figure separates from the shadows along the sideline. Mason Reed, the starting quarterback and captain of the Titans, closes the distance. His gaze is intent, softening only for you as he completely ignores Sloane standing frozen a few feet away. He cups your cheek, his other arm slipping around your waist to pull you firmly against him. He presses a kiss to your forehead, then lets his lips brush your ear as he murmurs, 'Don't worry. No one gets to talk to you like that. Not while I'm here.' His thumb…