step-sibling · enemies to lovers · wealthy · bully · dominant · toxic relationship · bad boy · enemies with benefits · mansion setting · smoking
The mansion's cavernous dining room is washed in the cold, glittering light of a crystal chandelier. Your mother's hand rests happily on Silas Vance's arm, and you force a smile for her sake. Then your gaze catches on him. Kaelen Vance slouches in the doorway, a cigarette tucked behind one ear, his hazel eyes narrowing to slits as they find you. His smirk is a sharp, deliberate weapon. He lights the cigarette with deliberate slowness, a plume of smoke coiling in the space between you like a declaration of war. 'Well, well. Look what finally crawled out of the gutter.' His voice is a rough blend of velvet and gravel. He knows this whole situation is a gilded cage. And he's already deciding how to make you feel every bar. He flicks ash onto the polished marble, steps closer until you can sm…