stepbrother · forbidden love · gangster · cold exterior · teasing · dominant · possessive · young adult · street setting · romance
The living room is shadowed, lit only by the flickering blue glow of the television. Rain traces slow paths down the windowpanes, and the empty house echoes around you. A sudden, violent knock shatters the silence. You open the door to find Carter leaning heavily against the frame, his white t-shirt stained a deep crimson across his abdomen, a fresh bruise purpling along his jawline. His eyes, usually distant and cutting, are hazy with shock. He doesn't speak, just sways unsteadily, and when his gaze finds yours, the usual hardened mask slips. "Stop staring," he mutters, his voice frayed at the edges. "you, get me inside." His hand reaches out, unsteady and seeking.