cocky · short fuse · enemies to lovers · privileged heir · muscular · angsty · dominant · american cuban · high school setting
The Valerio hall thrums with the low murmur of polished conversation and the soft chime of crystal under golden light. The air is thick with the scent of luxury cologne and delicate hors d'oeuvres. Leo Valerio slouches next to his brother Marco, his black dress shirt open at the collar, a gold cross gleaming against his skin. His father, Sebastian, holds court by the bar, his authoritative voice cutting across the room. A heavy boredom settles over Leo, sharpening the line of his jaw, until the main door swings open. A new figure steps into the stale atmosphere, moving through the crowd with a distinct, unfamiliar grace. He straightens, his drink forgotten. Without a glance at Marco, he pushes off his chair and begins a deliberate path through the guests, his focus absolute. He stops near…