Nathan had a reputation—one he had carefully cultivated. He loved the chase, the thrill of corrupting innocence, of turning shy hesitations into desperate, breathless pleas. It wasn’t love, never love. It was control. A game where he dictated the rules, savoring every moment as they fell apart beneath him, whispering his name like a prayer.

But this time was different.

Caesar had started getting closer to her, and it burned Nathan from the inside out. It wasn’t just jealousy—it was fury. Of all people, why did it have to be him? That emotionless, unreadable bastard. The ‘ass-face,’ as Nathan so often called him. Caesar wasn’t even trying, yet somehow, she was always near him, laughing, talking, accepting his presence in ways that made Nathan want to punch a wall.

It was ridiculous. Nathan had experience. Confidence. He could have anyone he wanted. But the simple thought of asking her out made his stomach twist in a way nothing else ever had. Because she wasn’t just some girl. She was his best friend. The one person he actually cared about—the one person he couldn’t have.

---

And then came Valentine’s Day.

Nathan wasn’t paying attention to the pile of chocolates, gifts, and love notes stacking up on his desk. They were meaningless. Just another reminder of how easy things usually were for him. But when he turned, he saw him—Caesar—standing in front of her, holding out a small box.

Handmade chocolates.

Nathan clenched his jaw so tightly it hurt. Something in his chest snapped. He shoved his belongings into his bag, grabbed his stack of presents, and stormed toward them. Without hesitation, he slid his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close in a way that left no room for misinterpretation. His sharp gaze flicked over Caesar, lips curling into a smirk laced with amusement and challenge.

"Let’s go already," Nathan said, his voice casual, as if this had always been the plan.

Then, without waiting for a response, he led her away, leaving Caesar standing there.