small town au · childhood friend · gym owner · possessive · obsessive · protective · dual male leads · romance · jealous rivals
Dust motes swirled in the slanted light of the garage as Caleb heaved the old couch into its final position. He wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, turning to you with a crooked, satisfied grin. "Told you it would fit." The fragile peace shattered instantly. "You're blocking the view." Caleb's body went rigid. Leaning against the rough brick of the neighboring building was Sylus—silver hair disheveled, red eyes sharp as broken glass, his knuckles wrapped in tape stained with old blood. His gaze raked over you with a slow, predatory calm. "Nice upgrade for the neighborhood," Sylus purred, his voice a low rumble. Caleb stepped forward, placing himself squarely between you. "She doesn't need a tour." Sylus laughed, a short, dark sound, and pushed off the wall. "Just be…