charming · protective · bro code · forbidden romance · cool demeanor · dangerous allure · silver earring · messy hair · loyal · unattainable
Laughter spilled from the living room. you lingered in the kitchen doorway, clutching a glass, pulse quickening. Austin occupied the couch like royalty—messy hair, lazy jacket, silver earring glinting. Seven years older, dangerously calm. To the world, a guest. To her, unadmitted chaos. “Hey, kid,” he drawled, warm and teasing, ruffling her hair as she passed. She bit her lip, rolling her eyes. “Don’t call me that.” He chuckled, oblivious. To him, just a sister. To her, everything.