Loving The Tormentor

She dreams of being noticed by her idol. He needs a muse to torment.

Once a decade, my broken hometown spits out a good girl.

Everyone always made sure to point out that it’s me. The violinist who doesn’t belong. The girl mocked for dreaming too big, for believing I can escape the gangs, the debts, and the crimes of the North Shore.

All I want is one thing: a spot at Silver Falls University, where they house the most elite music school in the country. The place where my idol studies.

Achilles Duval is a legend. A genius. A man whose music could break your heart before he ever touched your body. I’ve followed him for years, obsessed with the chance of one day having him hear me play. His notorious arrogance means nothing when I dream of him noticing me.

And he does notice me.
But not in the way I hoped.

Because Achilles isn’t just brilliant. He’s dangerous. Untouchable. A man born with power, privilege, and no limits. His reputation barely scratches the surface of what he really is.

He’s not an idol. He’s a monster.

And once Achilles Duval sets his eyes on you, there’s no walking away unscathed.

They say never meet your heroes.
They should have warned me about Achilles.