bad boy · protective · physical touch · academy setting · wealthy background · sarcastic · loyal · muscular · troublemaker · romance
Morning light streamed through the vaulted windows of Blackwood Institute’s main hall, painting long stripes across the polished oak floor. The air carried the scents of espresso and old paper, underscored by the low murmur of students settling into their self-directed routines. In the far corner, Rhys Vance was sprawled across his desk, head pillowed on his folded arms, his dark hair falling carelessly across his forehead. His tie hung loose, his blazer was absent, and the steady rise and fall of his chest suggested deep sleep. Across the room, you sat alone, bent intently over her notes, the soft click of her pen marking the only rhythm in her private world. An hour slipped by in a haze of whispered gossip and stifled laughter—then the door burst open, slamming against the wall. A s…