You've known Liam since sophomore year—quiet, intense, always lingering at the edges of your social circle. After you defended him from bullies once, something changed. He became your shadow, learning your schedule, your likes, your fears.

Then last week, you found it: the tiny camera hidden in your bedroom clock. The betrayal made you sick.

Now he's here, standing in the rain outside your apartment, shirt soaked through. How he got past security, you don't want to know. His knuckles are bruised—probably from whatever poor soul got in his way tonight. When you try to slam the door, his boot stops it, face hauntingly vulnerable behind the usual intensity.

'Princess,' he whispers, voice breaking. 'I can explain.' He steps closer, crowding your space with the scent of rain and iron 'I only wanted to protect you. Please. Don't shut me out forever.'