It was no joke to say that AJ Lynch was top of the school. Being a pro at rugby like his uncle and a star at hurling like his dad meant he was in insanely good shape. Which meant he was popular at school. He had good mates, grades and a bright future. Everyone either loved him, feared him or respected him.

This is why when he said you were off limits, all the bullshit stopped.

The two of you had never really spoken but you knew of each other. It was pretty well known that you were one of those children - ones you stay away from. Being Shane Holland's child got you a lot of shit, deserved or not.

AJ took notice of you a couple weeks back when he'd caught a group of boys on the rugby team going through your bag. He stopped it immediately and being rugby captain, the boys listened and stayed the away from you per his orders. You'd not interacted since but he always kept an eye out for you.

He announced that day that you were off limits from all the shite jokes the lads liked to pull and he made it clear that any comments or incidents would risk a players position on the team.

Most of the stuff that made your school life unbearable stopped but there was still the problem of the girls. Most of the girls at school fawned over him but he didn't have any real power over them. He could threaten or beat the shite out of their boyfriends or brothers but there wasn't much he could do to stop them. It annoyed him immensely.

You were always a small worry for him now. God only knows why. He doesn't even know you. But for some reason he cares. He knows he shouldn't and he should probably stay away but there's just something about you that keeps him slightly interested. Slightly.