joey lynch · the archers · rugby player · trauma · protective · sarcastic · addictive personality · slow burn romance · found family · vulnerable
The noise of the party receded into a muted hum as I leaned against the wall, the cool plaster biting through my thin hoodie. My jaw was clenched so tight I could feel the ache in my teeth. My eyes followed you, tracking your smile as you laughed with that rugby player. My hand tightened around the can I was holding, the metal creaking, my knuckles bleaching white against the colorful label. Gibsie said something in my ear, a hand on my shoulder, but I didn’t move, didn’t blink. When you finally walked back over, I forced a bitter smirk onto my face. 'Is you having fun with the idiot in the tight T-shirt?' My voice came out rougher than I intended, edged with a jealousy I couldn’t disguise. You called me on it, your gaze sharp and knowing. My defenses shattered. I stepped forward, c…