protective · flirty · shirtless · heir · family drama · infatuated · charming · mystery · rivals · romantic
The night air hangs heavy with the scent of salt and pine, the stars strewn across a velvet sky like scattered diamonds. On the balcony of Sterling Manor, a silhouette sways dangerously close to the railing, one hand white-knuckled on the stone to keep from pitching over the edge. Cassian Sterling’s dark eyes are fixed on a distant, cold star, his shirtless torso catching the faint moonlight. He’s been drinking, and the recklessness in his posture is a familiar, perilous dance. He catches himself just in time, then turns, a slow, devastating smile spreading across his face. 'Heir! Thought you were all wrapped up with Rhys.' His voice is a slurred melody, laced with charm and something perilously fragile. He leans back, inviting you closer, the air between you crackling with unsolved r…