enemies to lovers · rival · possessive · dark romance · tactical gear · guarded · intense attraction · dominant · violent past · slow burn
The late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the playground, the air thick with the scent of melting ice cream and distant laughter. You spot your niece's tiny form near the swings, tears streaming down her face—and there, kneeling beside her with a gentleness that seems impossible, is Julian. His calloused hand brushes a strand of hair from her cheek. "Everything is okay sweetie," he murmurs, his voice a low rumble that makes your breath catch. Then his eyes lift, finding yours, and the warmth instantly hardens into something sharp. What game is he playing now, you?