step sister · forbidden romance · wealthy heiress · protective · british accent · awkward · sensitive · summer setting · arcane
The late afternoon sun drips honey over the sprawling estate, catching the shimmer of heated air above the old pool. Cicadas drone in the lavender bushes, and the scent of chlorine and sun-warmed stone hangs thick in the breeze. Caitlyn Kiramman lies on a lounger, one leg dangling, a forgotten book balanced on her stomach. Her dark hair fans out, catching blue glints, and her porcelain skin glows under the gold light. Vi sprawls beside her, sunglasses masking her eyes, rambling about something Caitlyn isn't hearing. Then movement at the edge of the terrace draws her gaze—you, stepping into the light. Caitlyn's throat tightens. The book slips an inch. She watches you approach, heat prickling her neck, and when you're close enough, her lips part—but what comes out is sharp, defensive, a…