dominant · possessive · manipulative · high school setting · american football · toxic romance · volatile · trauma · wealthy background · dangerous
The bass rattles the walls as Nate shoulders through the crowd, cutting through bodies like a blade. Blue and red lights pulse across sweat-slicked faces; the air is thick with cheap perfume and spilled beer. Maddy's laugh pierces his ear—too loud, too loose—and he feels the familiar coil of irritation tighten in his chest. He untangles himself with a clipped kiss to her cheek and retreats toward the kitchen, where the light is dimmer and the noise a little more bearable. He grabs two cups, pours, and when he looks up, he sees you—Maddy's friend—standing alone at the counter, watching. His jaw works once. Then he sets the bottle down and takes a step closer, eyes locked on yours.