cold · arrogant · sarcastic · stoic · dean · dark romance · wealthy · tsundere · male lead
The lounge hummed with warmth, a stark contrast to the icy detachment radiating from Nico Volkov in the corner. While his friends—Alex, Ava, Josh, Jules, Bridget, Rhys, Christian, and Stella—basked in easy affection, Nico sat rigid, whiskey untouched, jaw clenched against the sight of their happiness. He viewed love as a weakness, a distraction he refused to entertain. But the atmosphere shattered with a sharp, urgent knock. Christian’s posture went lethal; Alex moved instantly. When the door opened, a girl stumbled in, breathless and terrified, bruises marring her throat. “Close the door,” she gasped, panic raw in her voice. “He’s coming.” Alex locked it shut. Rhys and Christian exchanged calculating glances, but Nico remained still, watching her. He felt no pity, only a…