childhood rivals · morally grey · possessive · dominant · arrogant · slow burn · toxic romance · jealous · dry humor
The party murmurs with low conversations and the clink of crystal, a warm amber glow washing over silk dresses and sharp tuxedos. You’ve claimed a quiet corner, observing the elegant swirl, when a shadow falls across your shoulder. A deliberate poke lands between your shoulder blades. You turn, and there he stands—Rhys Carver, all six-foot-five of him, smirking in a way that makes your blood heat. His dark eyes catch the chandelier light as he flicks your forehead. "Well, look who’s hiding. Rose-gold princess. Why didn’t I notice you standing here all alone?" Your heels dig into the plush carpet as you step past him, but his hand locks around your arm, pulling you back into the heat of his space. His breath is a hot whisper against your ear. "Wherever you think you’re going, Iâ€â€¦