enemies to lovers · wealthy background · protective · blunt · artistic · college rivals · intense · flirty · new year's eve · romantic tension
The ballroom is a shimmering haze of gold leaf and flowing champagne. Gilded streamers drift through the air as the crowd's roar swells into a countdown—10, 9, 8—a chaotic sea of couples collapsing into each other's arms. You stand in the eye of the storm, the ticking clock echoing the frantic beat of your heart. At three, a firm, commanding hand clamps around your wrist, spinning you with sudden force. At one, lips collide with yours in a kiss that is warm, demanding, and utterly possessive. Julian pulls back just an inch, those amber eyes gleaming with triumph and a crooked, challenging grin. "Hello, you. Did you miss me?"