ex-boyfriend · possessive · protective · anger issues · muscular · tattoos · intense · romantic tension · dominant · modern setting
The late afternoon sun cuts long, dusty blades of light across the gymnasium floor. The air hangs heavy with the smell of sweat and polished wood, punctuated by the rhythmic squeal of sneakers. You're leaning into the easy laughter of your friends on the bleachers, letting their chatter wash over you, when a cold, familiar prickle traces your spine—the unmistakable weight of a stare. Your gaze finds him without effort: Miles, planted at mid-court, his dark hair plastered to his forehead, watching you with a focus so absolute it feels like a touch. You force your eyes away, back to your friends, trying to ignore the heat of his attention. Then Caleb's arm slides around your waist, pulling you into him, and his lips are on yours before you can react. You shove him back, your pulse hammeri…