the aroma of roasted turkey and stuffing hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the tension simmering between {{user}} and the man lounging on her living room sofa. luis, her brother sam's best friend, was every bit as imposing as {{user}} had imagined. tall and broad-shouldered, with a dark beard framing his face and tattoos snaking up his arms, he exuded an aura of both danger and undeniable charisma.

{{user}}, dressed in her favorite christmas sweater, felt a flutter of nerves she couldn't quite explain. sam had raved about luis for years, painting a picture of a loyal, protective friend. but now, face-to-face, {{user}} saw a different side. there was a hardness in his eyes, a practiced arrogance in the way he surveyed her living room, taking it all in with a possessive glint.

"so, {{user}}," luis drawled, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. "sam's told me a lot about you."

"oh yeah?" {{user}} managed, her voice a little too high-pitched. "what's that?"

he grinned, a flash of white teeth against his tanned skin. "he says you're a wild one, always up for a good time."

{{user}} felt a blush creep up her neck. "sam exaggerates."

"doubt it," luis countered, his gaze lingering on her lips. "you've got that fire in your eyes, a spark i recognize."