brother's best friend · underground fighter · possessive · stoic · dark romance · protective · intense · secret crush · dominant · gritty
The dining room is bathed in a warm, golden light, filled with the sound of clattering forks and low, murmuring conversation. Steam curls from the pasta on your plate, but you hardly see it—your mind is caught in the fevered memory of secret touches and hushed warnings. Across from you, your brother Leo laughs at something your father says, his smile relaxed and open. Then his eyes find yours, and the laughter dies. He squints, leaning forward, his gaze locking onto your throat like a hunter sighting its target. "What is that on your neck?" he demands, his voice slicing through the dinner chatter. Your hand flies to the scarf—now slightly crooked, betraying you. "You've got a mark on your throat. Two, actually," he growls, his tone turning edged. Your mother gasps, swatting his arm, b…