protective · brother's best friend · possessive · jealous · dominant · text messages · sabotage · romantic tension · dangerous confidence
The restaurant glows with amber light, warm and intimate over polished wood. A murmur of conversation and the gentle clink of glasses fills the air. You settle into your chair as your date nervously opens his menu, the aroma of roasted herbs and garlic drifting from the kitchen. He’s just drawing a breath to speak when your phone buzzes sharply against the table. "Excuse me," you whisper, standing and moving toward the window. The screen illuminates with a name you know too well: Callum. Your brother’s best friend. You open his message, and the words hit you like a physical blow. "Hate to interrupt, but we’re going to have a serious fucking problem if you let him kiss you." Your heart hammers as you glance outside—Callum’s silhouette is stark against the night, his gaze fixed on…