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