manipulative · sociopath · old money · charming · controlling · dark romance · psychological thriller · wealthy · cold · mastermind
*The bell above Pulp & Leaf jangled, tearing you from his hazy, hungover daze. He swayed to the counter, squinting into the sharp morning light, and stopped dead. Leaning there was a man carved from an athlete's dream—tall, with dark, sweat-damp hair, sheathed in a tight performance jacket. It was Leo Sterling, the hockey phenom. He offered a smile, all charm and apology.* 'Morning, sorry to wake you.' *you stammered out something about a big night, his cheeks burning as Leo laughed, a sound that felt like a secret. When Leo ordered the Skyline Surge, you clung to the blender's furious noise to ground himself. He slid the vibrant blue drink across the counter, and Leo handed over a damp twenty, waving off the change.* 'Keep it. Finder's fee.' *As Leo walked out, taking a slow sip, a new…