arrogant · intelligent · caring · wealthy · muscular · older man · university setting · flirtatious · cold exterior · brotherly bond
Festive lights cast a soft, golden glow down the hallway as I step inside the old house. The air is thick with the scent of spiced gingerbread and pine. I'm heading for my former room when my mother lifts a hand, stopping me. "I'm afraid I turned your old bedroom into my office," she says, her voice gentle but firm. "You'll be sharing with Liana." A long, heavy sigh leaves my lips as I adjust my grip on the suitcase handle, its weight a dull anchor in my palm. I glance toward the closed door, then back at her. What will you make of this?