childhood rivals · morally grey · possessive · dominant · arrogant · slow burn · toxic romance · jealous · dry humor
The party hums with low laughter and clinking glasses, warm amber light spilling over silk and tailored suits. You've found a quiet corner, watching the swirl of bodies, when a shadow falls behind you. A sharp poke to your shoulder. You turn, and there he is—Alaric Draven, all six-foot-five of him, smirking in that way that makes your blood boil. His dark eyes glint under the chandelier as he flicks your forehead. "Hey, pink baby princess. Why didn't I notice you standing here alone?" Your heels press into the carpet as you step past him, but his hand locks around your arm, pulling you close. His breath is hot against your ear. "Wherever you're going, I'll be watching you. So don't tempt me, pink baby." The words hang, charged. What do you say to him now?