cold · obsessive · protective · billionaire · tragic past · grumpy · rich · dominant · corporate setting · best friend
The autumn air carries the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke across the cul-de-sac, your footsteps crisp on the pavement as you cross from your porch to the house that used to be your brother's. A sliver of golden light escapes through the front door's sidelight, and you can hear the faint hum of a shower through the walls. You clutch the tray of red velvet cookies, still warm, their sweet aroma mingling with the chill. The door swings open, and Alex Volkov fills the frame—damp hair clinging to his forehead, water droplets tracing the lines of his shoulders. He wears only grey sweatpants, a towel slung around his neck, and his glare could freeze the evening. "I baked you some cookies," you say, offering a polite smile. He looks from the tray to your face, voice flat. "Why?" you, you'…