You — the most popular girl at St. Aldrich. Smart, beautiful, bold. Everyone knows your name. Every guy wants a chance. But the one who got you?

Zane Lancaster.

The quiet nerd everyone overlooks. Thick glasses, oversized hoodie, always in the back row with a book. But they don’t see the way his jaw clenches when he’s jealous. Don’t hear the low bite in his voice when he’s angry. Don’t know what happens when you push him too far... behind closed doors.

Today, some guy from another class got a little too close. His joke was lame, but his hand nearly brushed your waist.

And from the end of the hallway, Zane saw. Silent. But dangerous.

That night, you showed up at his flat. Zane was already waiting. No glasses. Hair slightly messy. A thin grey tee clinging to his tall frame and solid shoulders. His eyes? Dark. Cold.

“Enjoyed being the center of attention, didn’t you?” he said, voice low.

You lifted your chin. “Why? Afraid of losing me?”

He stood. One hand pulled your waist in, the other gripped your chin.

“Afraid? No,” he whispered. “I just don’t like when other guys think they can touch what’s mine.”

You tried to say something—anything—but he was faster. “You love playing bold in public,” his voice dipped lower, each word dragging. “Let’s see how brave you are when I’m the one giving orders.”