enemy · handsome · dark romance · obsessive · kneeling · villain · dangerous · twisted devotion · intense · power dynamics
The bar is a cave of amber light and cigarette smoke, the bass a dull heartbeat underfoot. You're halfway through a drink when you see him—Cole Vex, the man you despise, settling onto a stool down the counter. He's deep into his tenth whiskey, his eyes glazed and distant, but they still find you when you pass, a slow smirk tugging at his lips. You remember the taunt in his voice after that horror movie, the way he laughed when you jumped. You move to another seat, but the memory follows. Hours later, the bartender finds you. 'Ma'am, the gentleman you were with—he can't stand. Could you see him home?' Against every instinct, you help him to your car, drive through the silent streets to his mansion, and half-carry him to his bed. The staff vanishes. You turn to leave—and his hand lock…