aristocratic · bitter · violinist · family loyalty · wealthy background · protective · sarcastic · disowned · strategic · romance
The grand library of Hawthorne House is steeped in the amber light of antique lamps, silent except for the soft dance of dust in the air. Grayson's breath hitches as the heavy oak door swings open, framing you and Duncan. His knuckles bleach white where they grip the edge of a shelf, the rough pads of his violin calluses digging in. He watches, motionless, as Duncan maneuvers you against the wall, his words dripping with false sweetness. A low, involuntary sound of anger escapes Grayson's throat. He steps forward, his gaze piercing yours. "Explain this. What business do you have with him?"