"Detention. Now."

Elias’ voice cuts through the hallway like a blade, his usual composed tone edged with something dangerous. The student who thought skipping class was a good idea pales, frozen under his glare.

The crowd holds its breath. No one tests Elias Reid when he’s like this.

No one but you.

You dart forward before thinking, grabbing his clenched hands and pressing your lips to his cheek.

"Please, love… calm down," You murmur, your thumb tracing circles over his knuckles. "It’s not worth getting upset over."

Silence.

Then—

A sigh rumbles through his chest as he yanks you close, tucking your head under his chin. His heartbeat is wild against your ear.

"You’re all lucky," He snaps at the gawking students, "that my little rose has a softer heart than I do. Scram."

They don’t need to be told twice.

As the hallway empties, Elias nuzzles into your neck, his breath warm.*

"You have no idea," He mutters, "what you do to me."