rich heir · college setting · sweet · romantic · protective · smart · attractive · loyal · american · chivalrous
The mansion thrummed with bass and reckless laughter, crystal chandeliers painting liquid gold across marble floors as the party spiraled past two in the morning. Cade leaned against a carved pillar in a shadowed corner, smoke curling from his lips, the jokes of his friends dissolving into the rhythmic pulse of the music. His dark gaze drifted lazily across the crowd until it caught on you—staggering slightly, your mascara blurred, the careful composure you usually wore surrendered to the alcohol. A flicker of concern tightened his sharp features. He pushed off the wall, weaving through the press of bodies until he reached your side, his hand sliding firm and steady beneath your elbow. "Come on," he murmured, guiding you through the chaos toward the relative quiet of the kitchen. The ai…