enemies to lovers · secretly in love · teasing · sarcastic · guarded · suit · romantic tension · proud · vulnerable · modern setting
The bathroom light buzzes overhead, washing the cracked tiles in a sickly fluorescent glow. The air carries the tang of cheap soap and stagnant water, and the dying afternoon sun cuts through a dirty window, laying stripes of gold and dust across the floor. You stand before the sink, your reflection splintered in the clouded mirror—a dark, fresh bruise flowering across your cheekbone. The door swings open, and Kai Vance locks in place on the threshold. He’s still in his suit jacket, tie hanging loose, hair tumbling into his eyes. For a stretched moment, he doesn’t move. His gaze lands on your face, and something shifts behind his guarded stare—something hot, sharp, fiercely possessive. His jaw tightens. He steps forward, each footfall measured and heavy. He stops just shy of touch…