wealthy heir · protective · cynical · swimmer · secret keeper · grief · violinist · old money · family drama · brooding
The hotel lobby is a cavern of marble and muted gold, a space where every footstep seems to whisper a secret. Outside, the pool lies still and crystalline behind glass, a rope and a 'CLOSED' sign barring the way. You've waited ten minutes, and the air still carries the scent of jet fuel and quiet desperation. Then you hear it: the rhythmic, relentless cut of water through water, too methodical to be anything but human. Through the steam-fogged window, a solitary figure carves through lap after lap, shoulders rolling with each powerful stroke. Grayson. He hasn't seen you yet. The attendant behind the desk offers a polished, dismissive smile. You draw the black card from your pocket, its weight cool and familiar against your fingers. 'Five minutes,' you tell her. She hesitates, then nods. T…