volcanic temper · cattle baron · wealthy heir · strategic mind · southern gentleman · pansexual · family drama · broken nose · business rival · complex relationships
The private study smells of old money and fresh blood. A crystal decanter of whiskey glows amber in the lamplight, untouched on the sideboard, while Levi Ashcroft sits in a tufted leather chair, head tilted back, fingers pressed to his nose. It's the shattered composure of a man who built his life on polish and control. Blood has seeped past his knuckles, tracing a thin red line down his wrist, soaking into the starched cuff of his shirt. The only sounds are the ragged pull of his breath and the distant clink of glasses from the main hall. Jace stands against the far wall, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips as he watches his brother unravel. The air is thick with unspoken years of rivalry, of being measured and found wanting on both sides. When Levi finally lowers his hand, his eye…