The sound of Gabriel’s footsteps echoed in the quiet halls of the university. His jaw was tight, his fists clenched so hard that his knuckles turned white. He was a storm brewing, anger radiating from him with every step he took.
Andrew’s words replayed in his mind: “Mia has crossed the line this time.”
The image of Elena shivering, soaked, and tied up was burned into his memory. He couldn’t shake the thought of her helplessness, the fear in her eyes as she struggled to speak. And Mia-Mia had done this.
By the time he reached the common room where Mia and her group often hung out, his rage was barely contained. He didn’t care about the stares he received as he burst through the doors.
Mia was there, lounging on one of the couches with her usual smug expression. Her gang was scattered around, laughing and chatting like nothing had happened.
“Mia,” Gabriel said, his voice low but dangerous.
The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at him.
Mia’s eyes lit up with fake innocence. “Gabriel! What a surprise. What brings you here?”
“Cut the act,” he snapped, stepping closer. “I know what you did.”
Mia raised an eyebrow, pretending to be confused. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb,” Gabriel growled. “Elena. The pool. The ropes. You think I wouldn’t find out?”
Mia’s smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. “Oh, that. It was just a harmless prank. No big deal.”
“No big deal?” Gabriel’s voice rose, echoing through the room. “You tied her up and threw her into the pool in the middle of the night! Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?”
“She’s fine, isn’t she?” Mia said, her tone dismissive.
Gabriel took another step forward, and Mia flinched slightly. “You think this is some kind of game? You could’ve seriously hurt her or worse!”
Mia’s gang shifted uncomfortably, glancing at each other. One of the girls, the one who had hesitated earlier, looked down at her hands, guilt written all over her face.
“Gabriel,” Mia said, her voice losing its usual confidence. “I was just trying to teach her a lesson. She doesn’t belong here. She’s just a-”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” Gabriel interrupted, his voice icy. “You have no right to decide who belongs here.”
Mia’s face reddened, her usual bravado crumbling under Gabriel’s glare. “Why do you even care, Gabriel? She’s just some nobody. What’s she to you?”
Gabriel didn’t answer immediately. He took a deep breath, his anger simmering but controlled. “That’s none of your business. But let me make one thing clear no one bullies her except me.”
The room went silent again. Everyone stared at Gabriel, shocked by his words. Even Mia seemed momentarily at a loss for how to respond.
Finally, she smirked, though it lacked her usual confidence. “Oh, so that’s what this is about. Protecting your little pet?”
Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “Watch your mouth, Mia. This is your last warning. If you or your gang any one try to look at Elena in the wrong way again, you’ll regret it.”
Mia scoffed, but there was fear in her eyes. “Whatever, Gabriel. She’s not worth all this drama.”
Gabriel turned on his heel, leaving the room without another word. His fists were still clenched, but he felt a small sense of satisfaction. Mia wouldn’t dare try anything again not after this threat..
—
Meanwhile, Andrew had carried Elena back to her dorm room and helped her change into dry clothes. She was still shaken, her body trembling not just from the cold but from the fear and humiliation.
“Are you okay now?” Andrew asked, his tone unusually gentle.
Elena nodded weakly, though tears still clung to her lashes. “I… I didn’t know what to do. They just…”
“Hey,” Andrew interrupted, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You don’t have to explain. I get it.”
Elena looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Andrew. For saving me.”
Andrew shrugged, flashing her a small smile. “Don’t thank me yet. Gabriel’s the one who’s really mad about all this. He’s not going to let this slide.”
Elena’s heart sank. “What’s he going to do?”
“Probably scare Mia half to death,” Andrew said with a chuckle. “Not that she doesn’t deserve it.”
Elena sighed, wrapping the blanket tighter around herself. “I just want all of this to stop. The rumors, the bullying… everything.”
Andrew frowned, sitting down beside her. “Look, I know it’s tough, but you can’t let them win. You’ve got more people on your side than you think.”
Elena gave him a small, doubtful smile. “Like who?”
Andrew grinned. “Well, there’s me. And Gabriel, whether you like it or not. That guy might act like a jerk sometimes, but he’s more protective than he lets on.”
Elena’s cheeks warmed slightly at the mention of Gabriel. She wasn’t sure how to feel about him. He confused her, frustrated her, and somehow managed to make her heart race all at once.
When Gabriel returned, his anger had only slightly cooled. He walked into Elena’s dorm without knocking, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on her.
Elena flinched at the intensity of his gaze. “Gabriel?”
He crossed the room in a few quick strides, towering over her. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Elena blinked, confused. “Tell you what?”
“About Mia,” he snapped. “About everything she’s been doing to you.”
Elena frowned, her defenses rising. “What difference would it have made? You don’t care about me.”
Gabriel let out a frustrated groan, running a hand through his hair. “Damn it, Elena! You’re so stubborn. I do care, okay? More than I should!”
Elena’s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly shook her head. “I didn’t want to drag you into this. I can handle it on my own.”
“Handle it?” Gabriel said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Is that what you call being tied up and thrown into a pool? You could’ve died, Elena!”
She looked away, her throat tightening. “I don’t want to be a burden.”
Gabriel stepped closer, grabbing her chin gently but firmly and forcing her to look at him. “Listen to me, Elena. You’re not a burden. And no one no one gets to hurt you except me. Do you understand?”
Elena’s breath hitched at his words, her heart pounding in her chest. His intensity was overwhelming, and for a moment, she couldn’t speak.
“Gabriel…” she whispered, her voice trembling.
“From now on,” he continued, his tone softening slightly, “you tell me everything. No more hiding, no more dealing with this alone.”
Before she could respond, Andrew cleared his throat from the doorway. “Uh, am I interrupting something?”
Gabriel stepped back, his expression returning to its usual guarded look. “No.”
Andrew smirked. “Good, because we’ve got plans to make. Mia needs to learn her place, and I think Elena should help us teach her.”
Elena’s eyes widened. “Me? What do you mean?”
Andrew grinned mischievously. “Oh, you’ll see. Just trust us, little one.”
Gabriel nodded in agreement. “We’ll show Mia who’s really in charge.”
Elena hesitated, but the determined looks on their faces made her feel something she hadn’t in a long time hope. Maybe, just maybe, things were about to change.