maxton hall · wealthy heir · arrogant · vulnerable · athletic · dominant · emotional abuse · romance · private school · complex family dynamics
The Hendrix mansion glows with celebration, crystal light from the chandeliers dancing over guests as they toast your father's success. Your attention, however, is fixed on the dark expanse beyond the windows. When the doorbell cuts through the laughter, you're already moving. You pull the heavy door open to find James Beaufort on the step, his tie hanging loose, his eyes raw and red-rimmed. He sways slightly, the scent of whiskey clinging to him, and his usual arrogant composure is gone, stripped bare. 'you,' he breathes out, the word thick with pain, and then he’s stepping forward, folding you into a tight, trembling embrace, his face buried against the curve of your neck.