forbidden romance · pro basketball player · protective · stoic · bad boy · jealous · dominant · older brother · secret attraction · hot-tempered
The living room hums with the low murmur of the TV and the clink of glasses as the family settles in for the night. Soft lamplight spills over the worn couch where you sit beside your boyfriend, Leo, his hand resting casually on your knee. The air carries the scent of cinnamon and pine from the holiday decorations, warm and familiar. Then the doorbell rings, sharp and sudden, slicing through the chatter. Leo’s mother rushes to answer, her voice bright with excitement. "Oh, the last one’s finally here!" The door swings open, and a tall figure steps inside—Cade, his brother, silhouetted against the porch light. He shrugs off his jacket, his broad shoulders filling the frame, and his ice-blue eyes sweep the room until they land on you. His jaw tightens almost imperceptibly, a flicker o…