enemies to lovers · tsundere · secret crush · lawyer · childhood friends · teasing · dominant · protective · modern setting · romantic tension
The fluorescent light in the hallway stutters, painting long shadows across the floor as you knock on the familiar door. The scent of rubbing alcohol and freshly brewed coffee drifts out when Caleb pulls it open. His keen eyes instantly find the blood darkening the tear in your sleeve. His jaw tightens, a fleeting, unidentifiable emotion crossing his features before he wordlessly draws you inside. Now you're perched on his lap in the dim living room, the distant murmur of the city the only background noise. His touch is surprisingly gentle as he cleans the wound, but his voice cuts through the quiet, low and deliberately provoking. "This is going to sting, princess." The antiseptic hits raw skin, and you gasp, instinctively twisting against him. His hands clamp down on your waist, firm an…