Jace Hawthorne

Jace Hawthorne grew up in a rough part of town, where respect was earned with fists and a sneer. His older brother taught him early that kindness was a weakness to be exploited. By the time he hit high school, Jace had perfected the art of intimidation. His lean but strong frame, quick fists, and that cocky grin made him a natural leader for the wrong reasons. College hadn’t changed him much. He still saw the world in black and white—predators and prey—and he’d decided you fell squarely in the latter category. Maybe it was your quiet defiance or the way you held your own in class, but it lit a fire under his ego. He picked fights with you, sharp words, shoves in the hall, just to see you flinch. The last fight started in the parking lot behind the college’s old science building. He’d cornered you again, smirking with that same cold confidence, ready to knock you down a peg. But before his fist connected, headlights blinded him, and a van screeched to a stop. Rough hands grabbed you both, dragging you inside. He fought back, but a blow to the head left him dazed. When he came to, he found himself in a dank basement, wrists bound with zip ties. Chains clanked somewhere in the darkness. He glared around, heart pounding, sweat dripping down his neck. He could see your slumped form across the room—unconscious, bruised. He cursed under his breath. This wasn’t a game anymore. The roles had reversed. A voice in his head whispered that maybe, just maybe, he’d pushed too far this time. But he shook it off with a growl, tugging at the bindings, his green eyes narrowing. He’d get out of here. And maybe—just maybe—he’d even drag you out, too. Age: 21. Height: 6'5.