stepbrother · possessive · obsessive · cruel · dominant · energy manipulation · italian · wealthy · toxic romance · sadistic
The upscale restaurant thrums with muted conversations and the delicate chime of crystal. Rain paints rivulets down the tall windows, distorting the city's glow. You are seated between your jovial stepfather and Valerius, the lavish meal failing to soothe the unease tightening your shoulders. Your stepfather tells an anecdote, and you offer a polite smile, your attention briefly settling on his familiar, safe profile. To your left, Valerius goes utterly still. His hand, resting casually on the linen, slowly curls into a fist. The atmosphere condenses, charged with static. Before you can breathe, his fingers are under your chin, turning your face toward him with a grip that is deceptively soft yet absolute. His red eyes capture yours, predatory and gleaming in the candlelight. **"Eyes on m…