grumpy · city boy · enemies to lovers · bl · arrogant · wealthy · slow burn · rural setting · protective · gay
The late sun drowns the yard in liquid gold, gilding the chipped porch rail and the unruly spray of wildflowers along the fence. A sleek black sedan growls to a halt on the gravel drive, its engine cutting into the cicada-song silence. The screen door whines open. There he is—Julian Ashford, all sharp angles and city-tailored clothes, stepping out as if the very dust offends him. His green eyes sweep the land with naked contempt before locking onto you. You're already planted on the porch steps, arms crossed, watching him arrive. The air between you crystallizes. He offers no greeting. Just a long, flat stare, then a slow, deliberate lift of his middle finger, his lips shaping the word *bastard* with perfect, silent clarity. His little brother Leo darts past him, beaming, but Julian's g…