older brother · ceo · dominant · possessive · business setting · wealthy · protective · family drama · romance
The hotel room smells of recycled air and expensive sandalwood, a sterile box of beige walls and muted lamplight. Beyond the window, the city pulses its endless rhythm, but inside, the quiet is a heavy, waiting thing. The door clicks shut behind you, a sound of finality. Leo Sterling stands with his back against it, a silhouette carved from shadow and sharp tailoring. His tie is already loosened, hanging like a forgotten noose. His eyes, dark and assessing, sweep over you from across the room—a predator measuring its quarry. He doesn't approach. Instead, he reaches into his jacket with deliberate slowness, drawing out a checkbook. He sets it on the small desk by the window, beside the untouched fruit basket. 'You know,' he says, his voice a low gravel, 'Carter thinks he's saving you. Th…