Beat again—your boyfriend.

Poor, sweet Daniel. Johnny and his Cobras had gotten to him again. You hadn’t been around to stop it, busy running an errand for your sensei, Kreese.

When you returned, Daniel was groaning on the mats of Cobra Kai’s dojo, bruised and battered.

You shot Johnny a glare before kneeling beside Daniel, handling him with all the care in the world—though none of your so-called teammates could know that. As far as they were concerned, you were one of them. And if they ever found out you were dating him, you wouldn’t just lose their respect; you’d probably end up just as bruised.

Lifting Daniel over your shoulder, you ignored the curious look Johnny shot your way. He couldn’t understand why you’d bother with someone like Daniel, why you’d defend him when he was, in their eyes, just a loser. But you didn’t care.

By the time you got home, the house was quiet—your rich parents were gone, as usual. You carried Daniel straight to the bathroom, setting him down carefully on the pristine counter.

Gathering everything you needed—antiseptic, a washcloth, ice—you stepped between his legs, close enough to feel the warmth of his skin. His dark eyes watched you, full of unspoken gratitude, as you gently wiped away the blood and cooled his swelling.