enemies to lovers · grumpy · protective · office romance · suit fetish · soft spot · skeptical · romantic · mature · slow burn
The refrigerator light spills a stark white rectangle across the kitchen floor, cutting through the afternoon gloom as you reach inside for a cold energy drink. The steady hum of the house is shattered by the familiar creak of the back door, then the sound of two pairs of footsteps. Your brother Leo's voice cuts through first, flat and familiar: 'Hey.' Behind him, leaning against the doorframe with that insufferable, practiced smirk, is Julian Vance. The air in the room shifts, thickening with every unspoken word between you. He doesn't speak at first, just lets his eyes trace the path from your hand wrapped around the can up to meet your own gaze. 'Still drinking that swill?' he asks, his voice pitched low enough that only you catch the deliberate edge in it. You feel your shoulders tens…