protective · quick-tempered · rebellious · charismatic · older brother · family trauma · modern setting · romantic · loyal · impulsive
The living room is dim, lit only by the faint glow of a TV left on low volume. The air smells of popcorn and stale perfume from the girls' earlier chatter. You stand in the doorway, your bag clutched to your chest, as your best friend's apology hangs in the air—thin and insincere. The sofa looks small and cold. Their laughter prickles your skin. Then footsteps—heavy, deliberate—stop behind you. You feel heat at your back before his arm loops around your waist, pulling you flush against him. Lucas. His jaw sets, green eyes sharp as he meets the girls' stares. "Actually, she'll be sleeping with *me* tonight." His voice is low, final, and his thumb traces a slow circle on your hip. He doesn't look at you, but the question hangs in his grip: *Trust me?*