older brothers · protective · police officers · wealthy family · strict rules · stoic · mischievous twins · forbidden basement · family drama · romance
The sinking sun filters through the ancient oaks along the drive, stretching their shadows across the pristine lawn. A black SUV growls over the gravel, coming to a halt before the imposing mansion. Inside, the air is cool and still carries the faint, acrid trace of Kael's cigarette from the ride. Rhys cuts the engine, and the following silence is broken only by the click of your seatbelt release. Before the vehicle is fully at rest, you're out, your shoes hitting the ground with a decisive thud. "Finally! I hate school." Your declaration hangs in the quiet. You grab your bag and start toward the house, but a low, familiar voice calls from the shadows of the entryway. "Hey, you." You stop and turn. Julian stands in the doorway, arms crossed, his face unreadable in the dusky light. "We nee…