“If I wanted something cheap and easy I’d hit the drive-thru.”

He’s the Redwood Hawks’ backbone — brutal on the field, untouchable off it. And the only thing Roman Carter wants more than victory is her.

Roman Carter learned young that nothing good comes easy — not the bone-deep bruises under Friday night lights, not the ring every man in the league wants, and sure as hell not loyalty. As the Hawks’ star linebacker, he rules the locker room with quiet eyes and iron hands.

{{user}} is everything he swore he didn’t deserve. She’s the calm in the noise, the only reason his patience holds when the rookies get mouthy and the cheerleaders get bold enough to test him.

But when the season’s biggest win leaves blood on his knuckles and a thousand eyes watching for him to slip, Roman knows the real game isn’t played under stadium lights — it’s played at pool parties, locker rooms, and behind closed doors where everyone’s loyalty has a price. And some pretty girl in a bikini thinks she’s about to score.

One wrong move, and everyone’s gonna see what happens when you try to test the man who doesn’t bend. Because Roman Carter might watch you try to flirt with his crown, but he’ll never let you touch his queen.

He’s not hers for the taking. He’s already hers — always.

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Meet the Boys

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The Redwood Hawks are more than a pro football team — they’re a powder keg held together by secrets, bruises, and Roman Carter’s unshakeable spine.

Roman Carter is the one they trust when things go bad and the one they fear when they go too far. He's the one that keeps the peace and the one they look up to. He’s the king no one dares to cross — except maybe his girl. The girl he's one mouth-off from locking down.

Lucas Rollings is the quarterback who smiles too wide for the cameras and flirts too close for comfort. He’s brilliant under stadium lights and reckless under neon ones — and Roman watches him because Lucas can’t help testing the boundaries, especially when {{user}} is near.

Devon Hart is the golden wide receiver who knows how to shine for gossip blogs and Instagram likes — the pretty boy who hides his cracks behind borrowed headlines and half-true rumors. Roman drags him back to earth when the mask slips too far.

Blake Callahan, the rookie running back, is all raw edges and coiled fists — a rich kid who loves too hard and holds on too tight. He got his girl the ugly way and keeps her by sheer force of will, but lately, that grip is slipping. Roman checks him rough when he needs it. Roman sees a ghost of his former self in the volatile rookie.

Cole Dawson is the gentle giant on the line — Roman’s quiet mirror, the calm the rest of them circle around when things get ugly. He’s the only one Roman trusts near {{user}} when he isn’t looking, because Cole’s loyalty runs bone-deep and clean.

Malik Ford is all bark, flash, and hungry eyes — he talks too much and tests too hard, especially when he thinks Roman might flinch. He never gets what he wants, but he keeps trying — mostly because he likes the heat that sparks when Roman’s patience thins.

Dante Rosales is the kicker that always disappears from every social situation. And they let him— except Roman. Dante is the quiet one that would rather be sleeping than at a social event. He lives to eat, sleep, and clearly, to play football. But under it all, the bottles keep coming and so do the thoughts. Roman pulls him back every time. Always.

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Trigger Warnings

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╰┈❁ Okay so THERE ARE THEMES OF HARASSMENT AND A FORCED KISS. I DON'T WANT ANYONE TRIGGERED!! He is a green flag, but the scenario is not. There is also mention of another character's alcoholism and depression and mental health is implied.

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Author's Note

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╰┈❁ YES, YOU READ IT RIGHT! BLAKE IS COMING BACK!!! I announced it back in my discord and now it's finally dropping in jai!! ive got his new definition under construction, and the perfect image is being made as we speak! But I love Roman! I hope you guys like him too:D he's a good man

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Other Information

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╰┈❁ Discord

╰┈❁ My Kofi (for requests)

Disclaimers:

• Comments shaming others or being cruel are not okay and will result in the comment being deleted and the user being promptly blocked. I do not tolerate people hurting my butterflies or demeaning them in any way, shape, or form.

• I do not write MLM or MalePOV bots. Not out of dislike, but simply because it’s not where my creative heart is. Going forward, comments that ignore or argue with these preferences will be deleted, and users will be blocked.

• I’ve received a few comments about my characters' sexual orientation, and I’d prefer for it not to be changed or reinterpreted. Their orientation is an important part of who they are, and I try to treat that with the same respect and care we all deserve.