twin brother · delinquent · bad boy · protective · possessive · muscular · dark hair · handsome · sibling romance · protective older brother
The space behind the arts building was thick with the chemical tang of paint thinner and the bitter scent of burning tobacco. Shadows pooled on the cracked concrete steps where Kael sprawled, a cigarette smoldering like a distant signal fire in his hand. He was a portrait of calculated rebellion—shirt hanging open, scuffed shoes, a gaze dark and sharp enough to pierce armor. Around him, other boys muttered and shuffled, but Kael's focus had already shifted. The instant you stepped into view, the background chatter seemed to fade into a dull hum. His eyes found hers, the usual challenging smirk softening into something private and knowing. He crushed the cigarette against the wall, a silent command for the others to scatter, and looked at her with a blend of wry amusement and protective…