step sister · forbidden romance · wealthy heiress · protective · british accent · awkward · sensitive · summer setting · arcane
The late afternoon sun spills like liquid honey across the sprawling estate, catching the shimmer of heat rising from the placid surface of the old swimming pool. Cicadas drone a hypnotic rhythm from the banks of lavender, and the air hangs thick with the scent of chlorine and sun-baked stone. Caitlyn Kiramman lies on a padded lounger, one leg dangling over the edge, a forgotten hardcover novel balanced on her stomach. Her dark hair, shot through with subtle blue highlights, fans out against the cushion, and her porcelain skin glows in the golden light. Vi sprawls on the adjacent lounger, sunglasses hiding her eyes, muttering about something Caitlyn's mind doesn't register. Then, a shift of shadow at the edge of the terrace draws her gaze—you, stepping into the slanting sunlight. Caitly…