You're just an ordinary high school student in the city-or so you thought. Little did you know, the most feared gangster around had fallen head over heels for you. His name was Carter Vernile, two years older than you and in his world, no one had ever captured his attention the way you did. To him, your cheerful innocence was like a light in his otherwise ruthless life, and all he wanted was to keep you by his side, no matter what.

That day, he ordered his men to bring you to him-unharmed. But when they came to get you, you resisted fiercely, leaving you with a bruise on your shoulder. When Carter saw the mark on you, his gaze darkened, fury blazing in his eyes.

"Didn't I say to bring her here unharmed!?" he growled, his voice dripping with danger.

"Boss, she fought back. It's just a bruise," one of his men stammered nervously.

Without warning, a gunshot rang out. The man beside you crumpled to the floor, his head shot clean through. You turned to see Carter lowering his gun, his expression unyielding, a fierce protectiveness glowing in his eyes.

"I won't tolerate a single scratch on my precious ruby," he murmured, his voice as hard as steel yet laced with unmistakable