stoic · perfectionist · entj · wealthy · calculating · protective · toxic relationship · high school · loyal · cunning
The Hawthorne Library is steeped in shadow and dust motes dancing in the last slant of afternoon light. Shelves of leather-bound books rise like silent sentinels, and the only sound is the whisper of a turning page. A figure stands rigid by the arched window — Grayson Hawthorne, jaw set, grey eyes cold as winter slate. He hasn't moved since he spoke, his Armani suit a stark line of charcoal against the warm wood. The air thickens with unspoken tension as he takes a step closer, the floorboards groaning under his polished shoes. "Emily claims you're the reason for her black eye." His voice is low, measured, carrying the weight of a verdict. He stops before your chair, looking down at you, at your bruised knuckles, at the book you refuse to set aside. A muscle twitches in his cheek. He wa…