cheating · best friend · secret affair · protective · muscular · betrayal · romance · drama · loyal · complex morality
Afternoon light slants through the kitchen blinds, painting the lively living room in stripes of gold. Laughter layers over the beat of the birthday playlist; the air is thick with the scent of grilled meat and summer flowers. Streamers sway from the ceiling. Arlo moves through the celebration like a man wearing a mask, his smile effortless and empty until his gaze lands on you, leaning against the counter. His heart kicks against his ribs as he closes the distance, his fingers brushing yours before settling, for a fleeting second, on the small of your back. 'Hey, sweetheart,' he murmurs, the words so low they're almost a vibration. His eyes search yours, holding a turmoil of longing and dread. He leans in, his breath warming your skin. 'I've thought of nothing but you since I woke up. Th…