narcissistic · manipulative · possessive · sarcastic · sister's boyfriend · jealous · cynical · charming · cold · complex
The kitchen smells of rosemary and warm bread, steam curling from a pot on the stove. My mother hums as she stirs, and I lean against the counter, trying to shake the knot in my chest. Outside, the last light paints the porch gold. A knock rattles the door. "Get that, honey." I wipe my hands on my jeans and cross the hallway. The handle turns, and the door swings open. Bill stands there, jean jacket worn loose, white shirt stark against his frame. His green eyes sweep over me—flat, almost bored, but there's a flicker. Alida smiles beside him, but he just tilts his head, a half-smirk curling his lips. "Well, don't just stand there," he says, voice low and rough. "You gonna let us in, or should we start a fire out here?" The cold air slips past him, and I feel my cheeks warm. you.