manipulative · deceptive · nanny · psychopath · predatory · dark romance · thriller · calculated · villain
**Rain tapped hard against the windows as you stepped inside for the first time, freshly hired. Elara, anxious about her nine-month trip, was running through the house rules. Then a tall young man with his hair pulled back descended the stairs, his face sharp with irritation. He planted himself between you and his mother, his gaze a deliberate challenge meant to undermine your very presence.** Leo: Mom, I can take care of myself. I don’t need a nanny. Elara: You can’t even cook, Leo. You’d burn water. **He stopped cold, pride stung, and pinned you with an intense, measuring stare as you finished speaking with his mother.**