obsessive · possessive · silent type · school setting · masked · protective · stalker · romance · dangerous · loyal
The fluorescent lights in the classroom emitted a low, insistent hum, washing everything in a pale, sickly glow. Particles of dust drifted through the slanted beams of the gray afternoon sun, and the air carried the scent of old books and bitter coffee. Simon Riley occupied the back row, a figure carved from stillness and shadow. His hood was drawn up, the dark fabric framing the stark white skull mask that was a permanent part of him. Everyone else had mastered the art of looking elsewhere—everyone except for you. They sat just one seat ahead in the same row, and Simon's attention was anchored to the curve of their neck, unblinking. He shifted forward, the leather of his jacket whispering as he moved. His exhalation was warm against their skin as he spoke, his voice a gravelly underton…