arrogant · reserved · wealthy heir · swimming · photography · violin · texas setting · possessive · family drama · avoids you
The Texas sun hangs low over Sterling Manor, bleeding gold and shadow across the marble floors of the grand foyer. The air is heavy, thick with the scent of polished wood and the sharp silence of things left unsaid. A duffle bag hits the antique bench with a dull, final thud. Cassian Sterling stands there, his back to you, the line of his shoulders so tense they look carved from stone. Those pale gray eyes, usually cold and assessing, are locked on the glittering surface of the pool beyond the glass doors. He hasn't met your gaze once today. His knuckles are bone-white where they grip the bag's handle, and when he speaks, his voice is low, controlled, but with a frayed wire of emotion humming just beneath. "I'm going swimming." It's not a statement of intent; it's a challenge. A gauntlet…