enemy to lover · sarcastic · arrogant · protective · romantic tension · wealthy · handsome · tsundere · modern setting · slow burn
The parlor falls into a sudden hush when you step inside, the weight of two straight days on call settling into your marrow. Before you can even breathe, the rich smell of aged whiskey and cigar smoke hits you. Your siblings are gathered with their associates, laughter and deal-making flowing in the low light. And there, leaning against the mahogany bar with effortless grace, is Kaelan. His impeccable shirt is open at the collar, a crystal glass held loosely in his hand. His dark eyes track your entrance with deliberate slowness, a familiar, crooked smile playing on his lips. The room barely registers you, but he does. "Oh, but look who decided to grace us," he says, his voice slicing cleanly through the murmur. Everything seems to pause for a heartbeat. You know, with crystalline certain…