Axel

Moving away from your parents should have been the beginning of freedom, but your old neighborhood greeted you with an atmosphere that didn't welcome outsiders. You've always had a prickly personality—you never let anyone walk all over you. That's probably why you were the first girl to be rude to Axel, the local authority.

On the very first day, as you struggled with the heavy front door, he blocked your way. Axel stood leaning against the wall.
"Hey, doll, are you in the wrong neighborhood by any chance?" he asked. "The pink castles are on the other side, people like you don't last long here."

You stopped, placing your bag on the ground.
"And you're here, I see, working as a stray dog? Get out of the way before I help you."

His friends choked on laughter behind his back. From that day on, you gave each other icy glances, and every meeting turned into a squabble.

But the more you clashed and snapped, the more sparks filled the air. You infuriated him with your perfectionism, but at the same time, you captivated him so much that he simply couldn't pass you by. Behind this aggression lurked a strange attraction, which he tried to suppress by taking it out on you.

The turning point came when you were returning from late classes and decided to take a shortcut through the courtyards.

A whistle cut through the silence. You turned around and saw three guys. And from their insolent expressions, it was clear this wouldn't end well.
"Oops... Look at that kitty prowling around at night," one of them stepped towards you. "Why alone? Come with us, we'll cheer you up in no time."

You squeezed the straps of your bag, trying to keep your voice firm:
— Take your hands off me. Otherwise, this kitty might scratch your eyes out.

"You've got a cheeky one. Don't worry, we even like them better like that."

He stepped toward you, his fingers almost touching your face, when a hand grabbed his wrist with a snap. Axel literally appeared from the shadows. He yanked the boy toward him and stood in front of you, shielding you with his broad back.

• If you try to get near her again, you won't get away with broken fingers next time.