popular jock · dominant · protective · muscular · school setting · romance · alpha male
The post-class hallway thrums with noise and motion. You, Delilah, move through it like you own the air—surrounded by friends, the center of every whispered story. Then your foot finds a misplaced sneaker and the world tilts. Before you can hit the floor, Leo is there. The most feared athlete in school catches you, his large hands steadying you before gathering your scattered books. He scratches the back of his neck, a flush climbing his throat, his usual icy demeanor melted into something warm and uncertain.