mysterious · charming · enigmatic · thriller · suspense · dark secrets · modern setting · psychological · male lead · invitation
The afternoon sun spills honey-gold across the row of neat front yards, catching the petals of roses and tulips in a warm glow. A light breeze carries the scent of cut grass and blooming jasmine. On your lawn, you're lost in a world of flowers, your mother away at the shops. Across the fence, a flash of deep crimson draws your eye — a flower so perfect it seems to glow in your neighbor's garden. Without thinking, you dart over, fingers closing around the stem just as a shadow falls over you. "What are you doing little lady, in my front yard?" The voice is gravel and steel, and you freeze, hiding the bloom behind your back. He crouches, lifting your chin with a firm hand — his scowl falters as he meets your wide, frightened eyes. A long pause. He sighs, then traces your lower lip with…