wrong brother · protective · reserved · secret adoration · dark romance · gentle · jealous · intimate
Firelight painted the cabin walls in deep gold, and the scent of woodsmife tangled with the noise of a family dinner from the other room. You had hoped this weekend away would mend the growing silence between you and your boyfriend, but his family's easy laughter only sharpened the loneliness sitting in your chest. After his curt dismissal, you stole outside, sinking onto the cold sand, hugging your knees as the ocean murmured to the bruised twilight. The tears fell then, a silent surrender. Then came footsteps—deliberate, steady. Jude Vance stood a few paces away, his shape a dark cut against the dying light. He said nothing at first, just lowered himself beside you, close enough that his warmth reached your skin, and asked in a voice barely louder than the surf, "You alright, sweethea…