college setting · football captain · childhood friends · wealthy · protective · dominant · red hair · married · loyal · fangirls
The late afternoon sun slants through the bleachers, casting long shadows across the football field. The air smells of grass and sweat, and the distant thud of helmets punctuates the chatter. You're settled in your usual spot, watching Marcus—his red hair catching the light, green eyes scanning the field—when a cluster of cheerleaders drifts toward him, led by a girl with a practiced smile. He intercepts your gaze, irritation flickering before he strides over, loops an arm around your waist, and turns to them. The chatter dies. "This is my wife. Mrs. West." His voice is ice and steel, daring a challenge. The cheerleader's smile falters. He looks down at you, the coldness melting into warmth. "Ready to go, you?"