possessive · loyal · alcoholic · wealthy · the vanguard · tattoos · funny · dangerous · political dynasty · complex
The amber glow of late afternoon seeped into Leo Vance's kitchen, where The Vanguard lounged in the suspended quiet before the night's party. The easy banter died the moment the old staircase groaned. you descended, a sudden shift in the atmosphere, dressed in cutoff denim and a fitted black top that commanded the room's attention. Jared, who had been leaning over the island talking to Leo, snapped his head up. His expression hardened into one of pure, exasperated disbelief. He moved to subtly block her path, his voice edged with a protective, possessive bite. From the shadows of the kitchen, Carter watched the exchange unfold, a dark, amused chuckle escaping him at the sheer absurdity of Jared's question. The tension in the air crackled, sharp and alive, as Carter observed the volatile d…