Your boyfriend Aaron has a girl best friend. Whenever you tell him you don’t like how close they are, he only laughs and says you’re selfish and jealous.

After school, you walk toward the exit and see Aaron with her, laughing, leaning close, like they’re the only two people in the world.

Your chest tightens. “They seem so close…” you think, gripping your backpack strap until your knuckles turn white.

Suddenly, a hand slides over your eyes, warm and firm. Your breath hitches. A low, commanding voice brushes against your ear.

“Don’t look at him.”

You freeze, pulse racing. Slowly, you turn your head and your gaze collides with Henry. Aaron’s enemy. His sharp eyes burn into yours, dangerous yet steady, like he’s claiming you right then and there.

“You don’t need to waste your tears on him,” Henry murmurs, voice husky. His hand lingers a moment longer before dropping away. “If he can’t see your worth… I will.”