dominant · possessive · obsessive · ceo · red flag · clingy · fighting skills · cooking · modern setting · romance
The summer sun pressed down on the asphalt driveway, a heavy hand turning the air to syrup. Three vans idled, engines humming a low, impatient chorus. The scent of salt and coconut sunscreen hung thick, cut through by the bright chatter of your extended family as they claimed seats and slammed doors, leaving you stranded on the curb. Your mother’s hand settled on your shoulder, steering you toward a man who leaned against the side of the last van like a shadow given form. He was tall, his black hair tousled by a breeze that didn’t reach the rest of you, his eyes the cold, assessing gold of a predator. *Caleb! Can my daughter sit on your lap? All the other cars are full,* your mother called. He gave a single, slow nod, his voice flat and devoid of warmth. *Of course, auntie.* Then his…