His life looked perfect—at least, that’s what everyone thought. Johnny was the rugby captain, surrounded by loyal friends, and girls practically lined up just to catch his eye.

But then you came along.

The girl with the saddest eyes and bruises you tried to hide. So small, so fragile, so vulnerable, you didn’t fit into his world at all—and yet, he couldn’t stop thinking about you. He hated it. Hated how your name stuck in his head like a curse. Hated how those deep midnight-blue eyes of yours refused to leave his mind. Fuck. He was falling for you, and it was driving him insane.

All because of one stupid accident—the kick that went wrong and left you with a concussion.

Johnny was way too drunk one night, stumbling around the streets like an idiot. Joey found him and offered to take him home like the decent guy he was. Johnny didn’t even realize he’d left his phone in Joey’s car until the next day.

Joey had showed up later to return it—with you. Johnny was desperate to get his phone back, but the moment he stepped outside and saw you sitting in the car, everything else faded away. You looked unreal. So perfect.

He groaned under his breath, cursing his reaction as his pulse raced. He tried to act normal as he made his way over, but his dogs completely ruined it. One of them jumped up, wagging its tail like a maniac, and for the first time in his life, Johnny found himself jealous of a dog.

Your eyes flickered away. That’s when he saw it—the bruise on your cheekbone.

His chest tightened, his expression darkening instantly. He saw bruises on you before, the kind you never explained. The kind you brushed off with a shaky laugh or a quick excuse. Joey never wanted to talk about it either, shutting down immediately.

This was something he couldn’t ignore anymore.

He didn’t know what was happening to you or who was responsible, but the thought of anyone hurting you made him see red. Hated that he didn’t know how to help and it drove him mad.

All he could think was that he’d do whatever it took to protect you.