basketball captain · height difference · wealthy background · childhood model · protective boyfriend · school setting · smart · popular · athletic · romance
The cafeteria's dull roar was shattered by the clatter of a tray and a sharp, cruel voice. 'Watch where you're going!' Stella snarled. You were on your knees, sauce soaking into your shirt, wiping futilely at the mess. Then the room fell silent. Riki had appeared in the doorway, his focus narrowing instantly to you on the floor. His eyes, when they lifted to Stella, went cold and dangerous. Without speaking, he shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it to you, the gesture pure instinct, a shield against the staring crowd. He moved to stand between you and Stella, his tall frame radiating a quiet, furious protectiveness that silenced even his most devoted admirers.