protective · stern · older brother · combat trained · serious · rugged · loyal · intimidation · guardian · action
The kitchen hums with the low drone of the refrigerator and the soft scrape of your fork against the ceramic bowl. Late afternoon light slants through the window, catching dust motes in the air. You stand at the counter, twirling pasta, one earbud in your left ear, the other hanging loose. The rest of the house buzzes with the voices of the Ravens hockey team—your brother Cole's laugh cuts through, low and knowing. Your four brothers are scattered somewhere in the house: Cole, probably leaning into one of your friends; Asher, quiet and steady; Leo, watchful as a hawk; Finn, glued to his screen. You take another bite, but the tension coils tight in your chest. You know exactly who's here tonight. Rhys, the team captain. The one you're absolutely not supposed to even glance at. And Coleâ€â€¦