A Possessive Love In the Shadows (On Hold)
•I•
The hallways of Ridgemont High buzzed with the usual morning energy--students rushing to their lockers, friends chatting the latest gossip, and teachers preparing for another chaotic day.
Among the crowd stood Ethan Reid, his sharp eyes scanning the scene with an air of indifference. He leaned against his locker, shoulders tense, and his jaw clenched, trying to tune out the whispers about him.
Ethan had a reputation--a bad one. Known for his rough attitude and rebellious streak, he was the school's infamous bully, but it wasn't a role he chose for himself.
It was a shield, a mask he wore to protect himself from the pain of his past and the toxic relationship he was trapped in with Jason Morales.
Jason was charming on the outside, but behind closed doors, he was possessive, manipulative, and controlling. It was a secret Ethan kept hidden, even from his closest friend, Aiden Walker.
Every time Ethan thought about leaving Jason, something inside him stopped. Maybe it was fear, maybe it was the false belief that he deserved this kind of treatment.
But today, something--or rather, someone was about to change that.
As Ethan shoved his books into his locker, he felt a presence behind him, one that sent a shiver down his spine. He turned around to meet the intense gaze of Liam Carter, the school's golden boy.
Liam was everything Ethan wasn't--popular, confident, and effortlessly charming. With his tousled black hair, piercing black eyes, and broad shoulders, Liam was the type of guy who had everyone eating out of the palm of his hand.
Ethan Reid (The Bully)
What do you want, Carter?
•II•
Liam's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes never leaving Ethan's.
Liam Carter
I could ask you the same thing, Reid.
Liam Carter
But let's cut to the chase--I've heard about you.
Liam Carter
And I've got to say, I'm intrigued.
Ethan's eyebrows shot up.
Ethan Reid (The Bully)
Intrigued? By me?
Ethan Reid (The Bully)
You've got the wrong guy.
Liam Carter
No, I don't think I do.
Liam took a step closer, invading Ethan's space.
Liam Carter
I know exactly who you are.
Ethan's heart skipped a beat. There was something in Liam's tone--something possessive, almost dangerous, and it made Ethan's pulse race.
Ethan Reid (The Bully)
You don't know anything about me.
Ethan muttered, slamming his locker shut.
Liam Carter
I know more than you think.
Liam leaned in, his breath warm against Ethan's ear.
Liam Carter
I know you're not as tough as you pretend to be.
Liam Carter
And I know you're stuck with someone who doesn't deserve you.
Ethan stiffened, his fists clenching at his sides.
Ethan Reid (The Bully)
You don't know what you're talking about.
Liam's voice was low, almost a whisper, but it carried a weight that made Ethan's heart pound in his chest.
Liam Carter
You think you have to stay with him because you're afraid?
Liam Carter
But I see you, Ethan. I see the real you.
Ethan's breath hitched. He took a step back, trying to put some distance between them, but Liam only moved closer.
Trapping him against the lockers. The other students had started to notice, their eyes flickering towards the unexpected scene.
•III•
Ethan Reid (The Bully)
What the h3ll do you want from me?
Ethan demanded, his voice wavering more than he'd like.
Liam Carter
I want you Ethan.
Liam Carter
And I always get what I want.
Before Ethan could react, Liam reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him closer. The air crackled with tension. And for a moment, Ethan forgot how to breathe.
He was used to being in control, to being the one who intimidated others, but with Liam, it was different. He felt stripped bare, exposed in a way that terrified and thrilled him all at once.
Ethan Reid (The Bully)
You can't just--
Ethan started, but Liam silenced him with a finger pressed against his lips.
Liam murmured, his eyes darkening with something primal, something possessive.
Ethan's mind screamed at him to push Liam away, to tell him off, but his body refused to listen. He stood there, frozen, as Liam leaned in even closer, their faces inches apart.
The warmth of Liam's breath ghosted over Ethan's lips, and for a split second, Ethan forgot about Jason, about the pain, the fear, and everything that held him back.
All he could think about was Liam--his intensity, his confidence, and the way he made Ethan feel alive for the first time in years.
Ethan Reid (The Bully)
Stay away from me..
Ethan finally whispered, though the words lacked conviction.
Liam chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Ethan's spine.
Liam Carter
You know that's not going to happen, Ethan.
Liam Carter
You're mine now. And I don't share.
With that, Liam released his hold on Ethan, stepping back with a satisfied smirk. He gave Ethan one last lingering look before walking away, leaving Ethan breathless and trembling.
Ethan stood there, heart pounding, trying to process what had just happened. He had no idea what Liam's intentions were, but one thing was certain: this was only the beginning.
And something deep inside him whispered that he was about to be claimed by a force more possessive and dangerous than he'd ever imagined.
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