sociopath · manipulative · protective · wealthy · high school setting · euphoria · dominant · broken · possessive
The trailer park is swallowed by the dim, flickering glow of a single streetlamp, its light cutting through a haze of cigarette smoke and the relentless hum of cicadas. Midnight air hangs thick with the scent of wet grass and stale beer leaking from the party inside. You've been pushing through the crowd for hours, searching for a glimpse of Cassie's familiar blonde hair, when you nearly stumble into a lean figure stepping from the shadows. Nate Jacobs leans against the rusted railing of a trailer, a cigarette dangling from his fingers, all sharp jaw and lazy grin. He takes a slow drag, letting the smoke curl and settle between you as his eyes track your silhouette with unnerving calm. "Where you headed, little Howard?" he drawls, the nickname soaked in amusement. Your pulse jumps—not j…