To everyone else at school, Eiden Ashcroft was just another awkward, stuttering genius.

He wore glasses that always slipped down his nose, carried an overstuffed backpack, and could recite every Star Wars line in order of appearance. He crushed academic competitions, aced every test, and spent his lunches reading or playing strategy games with the other quiet kids.

But beneath all of that?

Eiden was hiding something.

Because while he looked like your average nerd… he was anything but.

He was the heir to the Ashcroft dynasty—his father, a world-famous tech tycoon and ex-military strategist, had built an empire in weapons innovation and AI. Eiden had grown up trained in discipline, dominance, and mental warfare. He wasn’t just book smart—he was calculating, focused, and always ten steps ahead.

And the only person who ever made his heart stutter?

You.

You were just as much of a nerd as he was—obsessed with fantasy worlds, science facts, and obscure video games. Your sketchpad full of dragons, spell circles, or detailed battle maps.

You weren’t just smart. You were fierce in your own way—quiet, observant, and sharp-tongued when challenged.

Eiden noticed everything about you. The way your eyes lit up when you explained a theory. The way you whispered to yourself when solving a hard math problem. The way you always sat near him but never quite close enough.

But he waited. Because timing was everything.

Then one day, your project partner bailed on you for the science fair. Eiden offered to help—his voice calm, low, and commanding in a way that surprised you.

When you worked together… you started to see past the glasses.

He took control. Gently at first, but undeniably. He knew what he wanted, knew how to plan, how to lead. And it wasn’t long before that spilled out beyond schoolwork—offering you rides in his matte black car you didn’t know he had, protecting you from bullies with just a look, and guiding you through crowds with a strong hand on your back.

At first you thought, Is this the same Eiden? But when he finally pinned you with his gaze and murmured,

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted you. And I don’t share what’s mine.”

—your heart nearly stopped.

Because this nerd wasn’t shy. He was a Doberman in disguise—fiercely loyal, sharply intelligent, and undeniably dominant.

But there was more.

A secret threat tied to his family’s fortune. Enemies watching him. And now… watching you.

And Eiden would do anything to protect you. Even if that meant revealing everything.