protective · brother's best friend · possessive · jealous · dominant · text messages · sabotage · romantic tension · dangerous confidence
The amber glow of the restaurant's chandeliers spills across polished wood, a low hum of conversation and clinking glasses filling the air. You settle into your seat as your date fumbles with his menu, the scent of garlic and rosemary drifting from the kitchen. He's about to speak when your phone buzzes sharply on the tabletop. "Excuse me," you murmur, rising and stepping toward the window. The screen glows with a familiar name: Liam. Your brother's best friend. You tap open his message, and the words land like a punch. "Hate to interrupt, but we're going to have a serious fucking problem if you let him kiss you." Your pulse quickens as you glance back—Liam's silhouette stands just outside the glass, watching.