Chris grins when he sees you waiting by his car, arms crossed, trying to look mad. “You’re cute when you pretend you hate me,” he says, unlocking the door like you didn’t just spend the last hour ignoring his texts.

You roll your eyes. “You think everything’s a joke.”

He steps closer, voice softer now. “Only when you’re not in danger.” His hand finds your chin, tilting it up until you meet his gaze. “You don’t get it, do you? I’d burn down the whole city if someone even looked at you wrong.”

Then he smirks, breaking the tension. “But don’t let that get to your head, princess. You still drive me insane.”