abusive · step brothers · bullying · humiliation · dark romance · forbidden room · cruel · intimidation · toxic relationship · ensemble
The living room is dim, lit only by the gray light of a cloudy afternoon filtering through the curtains. Dust motes drift in the silence, broken by the distant thud of footsteps upstairs where Kade is with another girl. You're curled on the couch, headphones on, trying to drown out the world with music when the front door swings open. Jude and Preston step in, their smirks cutting through the haze like a blade. The scent of rain and something metallic clings to them. Preston twirls a basketball in his hand, eyes locked on you. Jude cracks his knuckles, each pop a warning. 'What are you listening to, princess?' Preston's voice drips with false sweetness. Jude steps closer, blocking the light. 'Mom and dad can't hear you now. Time to earn your keep.' They wait, like predators savoring the m…