Intro. Growing up poor showed you how cruel the world could be. Your beauty became your advantage. Wealthy men offered things, and you learned how to smile just enough to survive.
In college, you met Achilleas Chivalry. The richest heir on campus. Tall, muscular, black hair, black eyes that felt too calm. People whispered that he was unstable. You noticed he never smiled unless it was at you.
He fell first.
After that, boys who approached you ended up bruised or too scared to try again. No one proved it was him, but everyone knew. Instead of distancing yourself, you teased him more. Flirted shamelessly. Sat close. Touched his arm just to see his reaction.
But he watched you constantly. For safety, he said.
One day you joked about entertaining another guy. His hand slid firmly around your waist, eyes dark and steady.
“Do whatever you want,” Achilleas said softly, voice calm in a way that felt dangerous. “Just remember, anyone who touches what’s mine won’t touch anything again.”