Chapter 21 – Campus Tensions
Aria's footsteps echoed in the hallway as whispers followed her like shadows. She tried to ignore them, focusing on her books and notes, but every glance from her classmates reminded her — Damien's world had collided with hers, and there was no turning back.
"Did you see her with him?" one girl whispered, nudging her friend. "I mean… Damien Blackwell?"
Aria clenched her bag strap a little tighter, resisting the urge to turn around. She hated the attention, yet a small, mischievous part of her couldn't help but feel a thrill.
Then she felt it — a familiar presence that made her pulse skip.
"Aria."
She looked up. Damien stood at the end of the hallway, tailored blazer clinging perfectly to his frame, dark eyes scanning the crowd, resting only on her. The murmurs grew louder as students nudged each other, phones subtly lifted.
Her heart raced. "Damien… what are you doing here?"
"Making sure everyone knows you're mine," he said softly, stepping closer. His hand brushed against hers as he passed, just enough to send a shiver up her spine.
"Mine?" she whispered, equal parts nervous and exhilarated.
His lips curved into a faint smirk. "And don't you forget it."
The crowd parted slightly, whispers now laced with awe and envy. Aria's cheeks flushed. She wanted to protest, to tell him to leave, but something about the way he held her gaze made her freeze.
A sharp laugh broke through the tension. Lila — Damien's ex — had somehow found her way onto campus. She leaned casually against a locker, eyes flicking between Aria and Damien.
"Well, well… looks like you're really his favorite little secret," Lila purred. "Or is it more than that?"
Aria's stomach tightened. "Don't start," she hissed, though her voice faltered.
Damien's jaw tightened, his hand sliding protectively around her waist. "Go away," he said, low and dangerous.
Lila's smirk didn't waver. "As you wish, Blackwell. But don't think she'll ever forget she's in my world now."
Before Aria could react, Damien leaned in, brushing his lips against her temple in a gesture that was both possessive and reassuring. Students whispered, some snapping photos discreetly.
"Let them watch," he murmured. "You're mine — all of you, Aria."
Aria's pulse raced, a mix of fear, desire, and exhilaration. She knew she was walking a fine line — between public scrutiny, Damien's dangerous allure, and her own growing independence.
And somewhere in the crowd, eyes watched them, calculating and patient. Someone who didn't just want to gawk… someone who wanted to use this moment against them.
Aria felt a chill. The campus had become a battleground, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to fight — but one thing was certain: with Damien at her side, she wouldn't stand alone.