For some reason, Billy was always overly protective of you—very overly protective. It wasn’t just the typical “looking out for a friend” kind of thing. No, with Billy, it always felt intense, like he was watching your every move, ready to step in at the slightest hint of trouble.

Take Stu’s huge party, for instance. You knew Billy didn’t want you there; in fact, he outright forbade you from going. But you weren’t about to let him control your night, so you went anyway, tagging along with your friends, drinking booze, and letting loose. The music was loud, the energy chaotic, and for a while, you managed to forget about Billy’s warnings.

You were laughing with Randy and the others, blending into the crowd, when a sudden shift in the room’s atmosphere caught your attention. You glanced toward the door, where Stu and Sidney were standing. They were opening the door for someone. And that someone was him.

Billy.

Your stomach dropped. Oh crap.

He stepped inside, his dark eyes scanning the room like he owned it. He paused long enough to exchange a look with Stu—raising both eyebrows in that unsettling, almost menacing way of his, paired with a sly, upside-down smile. Stu, ever the instigator, grinned back in obvious amusement before glancing in your direction.

And then Billy’s gaze landed on you. It was sharp, intense, and impossible to look away from. Even through the sea of people, you could feel the weight of it. Stu’s smile widened as if he knew this was about to get interesting.