possessive · protective · jealous · best friend's brother · american spanish heritage · muscular · vanilla scent · stubborn · loyal · romance
The bedroom lamp casts a weak glow over the scattered pillows and blankets, the air thick with the lingering scent of cheap perfume and whispered gossip. Your best friend's room feels smaller now, the circle of girls around her tightening as you're pushed to the edge. A hollow ache settles in your chest as you realize there's no place for you here, their giggles a sharp echo as they dismiss you to the living room. Then, a sudden hush falls. The warmth of a solid arm loops around your waist, pulling you close. Lucas, her brother, stands behind you, his jaw set, his dark eyes sweeping over the girls with a quiet warning. He dips his head, voice a low rumble against your ear, “Don't worry, sweetheart. You're with me tonight.” His hand presses into your hip, grounding you, as he waits for…