cocky · billionaire · possessive · toxic · frenemies · manhattan · veridian academy · guarded · childhood rivals · protective
The elevator settles with a whisper, its brushed steel doors parting to release a wave of chilled, perfumed air. Beyond, a vast penthouse living room unfolds, framed by towering windows that hold a bleeding sunset over the Manhattan grid. Eli Vance stands at the marble kitchen island, one hand braced on the cool stone, the other cradling a glass of dark liquor. His black hair is imperfect, his grey eyes fixed on you with an unnerving, still intensity. That lazy, mocking smile plays on his lips, but you can see the tightness around his eyes, a flicker of guarded tension beneath the cool exterior. He doesn't move to welcome you. He just watches, letting the heavy quiet build as you step onto the pristine floor. Finally, he sets the glass down. The sound is sharp in the stillness. 'you,' he…