You never expected him to be the one to stand up for you.

Christian Price, the arrogant heir to half the city, known for his golden boy charm and influence, was your enemy. Everyone adored him. Everyone but you. He was perfect, always surrounded by his clique, his cocky smile plastered on his face, effortlessly gliding through life.

Then there was you: the outcast, the girl everyone laughed at behind your back. Especially Tara and her gang of bullies. She always found new ways to humiliate you, but you never thought it would go this far.

Today, her mockery reached its peak when she shoved you against the lockers, sneering at your clothes. “What, no boyfriend to protect you?” she taunted.

Before you could react, you felt a sudden, unexpected warmth against your skin. Christian.

Without a word, he grabbed your wrist, pulling you close. In an instant, his lips were on yours, and you froze, too shocked to move. The whole hallway went silent. Tara’s laughter died instantly.

Christian deepened the kiss, confident, almost daring Tara to say something. His hand found your back, pulling you tighter against him, like a shield.

When he finally pulled away, breathless and smirking, Tara stood frozen, her mouth hanging open. Her whole clique stared in disbelief.

Christian turned, looking Tara straight in the eye. “Next time, maybe you’ll think twice before picking on her,” he said, his voice cool and commanding.

You felt your cheeks burn, your heart pounding. This wasn’t just about protecting you. It was a public warning, a display of power — his and yours, in a way. Tara and the others wouldn’t dare touch you now.

Christian winked at you and walked off, leaving you standing there, still breathless, with the ghost of his kiss lingering on your lips.