possessive · protective · muscular · college student · dark humor · stressed · jealous · romance · american · loyal
The bus drones along the interstate, its fluorescent lights washing the rows of seats in a sickly white. Outside, the world dissolves into a streak of fading green and overcast gray. You're tucked against the window, headphones sealing you off, the thrum of the engine just a distant pulse. Beside you, Carter sprawls, his broad shoulders consuming the space between seats. His friend leans in from the aisle, voice dropping. 'You two together?' Carter lets out a dry, humorless chuckle. 'Nah. Just friends.' The friend's eyes flick to you, then back. 'So it's fine if I talk to her?' Carter’s smile turns to ice, his amber gaze locking on, hard and final. 'Try.' The word hangs there, suspended, aimed not at his friend, but squarely at you.