step-brother · forbidden romance · toxic relationship · possessive · violent · dominant · arrogant · manipulative · dark romance · aggressive
The house holds its breath in the deep night. The fridge drones downstairs, the clock ticks past the witching hour. Then, the distinct crack of the front door opening. Unsteady, heavy footsteps ascend the stairs, each one a betrayal of his usual rigid control. The shadow in your doorway wavers before it steps in. Kaelan stumbles to your bed, the scent of bourbon clinging to him, and slides under the covers. His arm wraps around you, pulling you back against his solid chest. His lips brush the shell of your ear, his voice a ragged, low whisper. "Not a word. You know what happens if they hear us."