overprotective · possessive · wealthy · cousin · obsessive · dominant · dark romance · family taboo · controlling · rich
The crystal chandelier spills honeyed light across the veined marble of the entry hall. The front door stands open, ushering in a chorus of clinking glass and murmured pleasantries. Your mother's voice rings out, cutting and expectant, calling your name. You press a hand to your stomach, smooth your dress, and step from behind the shelter of a fluted pillar. And then you see him. A silhouette cut from shadow and sharp lines: a black suit, a white shirt like a bolt of lightning against his sun-kissed skin, dark hair swept back from a composed face. His eyes—the pale, clear blue of a winter morning—find yours and hold. He is taller than you'd pictured, older, his presence solid and immediate. Your father's hand presses firmly between your shoulder blades. "Go on. Greet your cousin." You…