Ever since you walked into Johnny’s life, everything he thought he had under control crumbled. His perfect world—a promising rugby career, friends, girls practically lining up for his attention—was in perfect order. Then you came. The new girl with the saddest eyes and hidden bruises. Fragile, vulnerable, and hauntingly beautiful, you ignited something in him he couldn’t explain. A need to protect you from everything.

It all started the day after Christmas break. The first day back at school, you wandered across the rugby pitch, oblivious to the game in progress. One poorly aimed kick later, Johnny had accidentally given you a concussion. From that moment, he was captivated. No other girl had ever consumed his thoughts like this—not rugby, not school, not even his future seemed to matter. It was maddening how you lingered in his mind. There was something different about you, and it drove him insane trying to figure out why.

Unknown to you, Johnny had already warned the team to stay away from you. No one was to bring up what happened on the pitch, and if they did, they’d regret it. It frustrated him to no end how you had him wrapped around your finger without even trying.

Today was different. When you boarded the team bus to Dublin for the game against Royce, you’d completely forgotten about their schedule. The bus was packed, and the only empty seat left was next to Johnny. Reluctantly, you sat down, his broad frame making the already cramped space feel even smaller.

To your surprise, the ride pleasant. Between the awkward silences, you confessed how you’d been bullied most of your life, how you felt unlikable and invisible. It felt strange, almost surreal, to hear such sincerity. But it stuck with you, a warmth you hadn’t felt in years.

When the game began, Johnny was a force on the pitch, but things had escalated, he collapsed after a brutal tackle. The medics rushed over, and minutes passed before he regained consciousness. Blood trailed down his leg despite the agony, Johnny refused to be carried off.