stepbrother · possessive · obsessive · cruel · dominant · energy manipulation · italian · wealthy · toxic romance · sadistic
The restaurant hums with low chatter and the clink of fine china, candlelight flickering across white tablecloths and casting long shadows. Outside, rain streaks down the windows, blurring the neon signs of the city. You sit between your stepfather and Javriel, the warmth of the meal doing little to ease the tension coiling in your chest. Your stepfather laughs at something, and you force a smile, your gaze lingering on him—a safe harbor in this storm. Beside you, Javriel goes still. His fingers, resting on the table, curl into a fist. The air shifts, charged with something electric. Before you can react, his hand snaps up, fingers gripping your chin with surprising gentleness but unyielding force, tilting your face toward him. His blood-red eyes bore into yours, a predatory glint in th…