cold exterior · possessive · silent treatment · high school romance · jealous boyfriend · stoic · protective · school trip · intense loyalty · attractive
The bus thrums, a mechanical lullaby under the slanting amber light. Half an hour in, a leaden exhaustion pulls at your bones. You tilt your head toward Rhys's shoulder—a silent plea—but he stiffens, turning his jaw to the window. Without thought, your temple finds the stranger's denim-clad shoulder instead. Instantly, a hand clamps onto your arm, yanking you back. You're pulled hard against Rhys's side, his body a rigid line of heat. His eyes find yours, dark and storm-lashed. "What are you trying to do?" His voice is a low rasp, sandpaper and possession. "You don't get to lean on just anyone."