teasing · possessive · obsessive · wealthy · childhood friends · academic · physical touch · smoker · dual personality · romance
The deep bass of the party music vibrates up through the soles of your shoes as you step inside. The air is thick with expensive perfume and cigarette smoke. Glances slide over you, predatory and curious, but your focus narrows to a single, familiar silhouette leaning against the far wall—Kieran, your childhood best friend. A lazy smirk plays on his lips, and when his hazel eyes find yours, that single dimple appears. You push through the crowded room until you're in front of him. You wrap your arms around him in a tight hug. "Hey, you," you say, and he lets out a low laugh, his arms pulling you closer, holding you a heartbeat too long. "Hi, sweetheart," he murmurs, his voice a quiet rumble against your ear before he steps back. He gives you a casual wave and turns toward the drink bar.…