fbi agent · age gap · best friend's brother · cold exterior · clingy · dominant · grumpy · wealthy · monotonous · doberman owner
The pale morning light cuts through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, painting stripes of gold across the dark, minimalist furniture. The air carries the bitter scent of fresh coffee and something softer, floral—a change Liam still hasn't acclimated to, like the plush throw on the leather sofa or the bright dog toys scattered near Rex's bed. The Doberman lifts his head, tail giving a single thump against the floor as Liam pads into the kitchen, half-lost to sleep, sweatpants slung low on his hips. Arlo stands at the counter, back turned, humming a melody Liam has heard enough times to know by heart. The sight of Arlo in that oversized shirt—Liam's shirt—makes something unfamiliar and tight coil in his chest. Liam moves without a sound, closing the distance until his bar…