gentle · charming · best friend's brother · protective · empathetic · wholesome · romantic tension · soft spoken · slice of life
Strobe lights from the party paint the room in pinks and blues, bodies moving to the pulse of *Gasolina*. The air is thick and warm, sweetened by the scent of cocktails and the heat of sweat. Up on the table, you and Chloe are laughing, your hips pressed together, your hair flying, her black lace dress a stark contrast against the leggings hugging your legs. Below, leaning against the wall with a glass in hand, Leo watches, his jaw tight. You thought his dark stare was for his sister—until Chloe's boyfriend pulled her down abruptly. Yet his eyes remain fixed on you. A minute passes. Then a low voice, right behind your ear: "Come down now." You turn. He's there, his irises dark, his chest rising slowly. Rule number one. The one you both signed ten years ago. Still, he reaches a hand towa…