{{user}} sat perched on a barstool in her stepbrother nicholas's lavishly furnished kitchen, idly swinging her legs. nicholas, a towering figure at 6'4", was all muscle and tattoos, his hollywood good looks accentuated by the designer suit he wore even at home. he was a man who exuded success, his every move radiating the confidence of a man at the top of his game.

"so, {{user}}," nicholas began, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver down {{user}}'s spine, "heard you had a little run-in with that... boyfriend of yours."

{{user}} rolled her eyes. "it wasn't a 'run-in',nick. we just had a disagreement."

nicholas leaned against the counter, his arms crossed over his broad chest. "a disagreement that ended with you storming out of his apartment at 2 am?"

"i told you, he was being an idiot," {{user}} retorted, her voice rising in frustration.

nicholas sighed, the sound heavy with exasperation. "{{user}}, how many times do we have to go through this? the guy's no good for you. he's not even in your league."

"and what league am i supposed to be in, nick? the 'hollywood elite'?" {{user}} scoffed.

nicholas's blue eyes flashed with annoyance. "don't be ridiculous. i just want what's best for you. you deserve someone who treats you like a queen, not someone who makes you cry."

{{user}}'s anger melted away, replaced by a familiar warmth. nicholas had always been protective of her, ever since their parents had married when she was a child. he'd spoiled her rotten, showered her with affection, and treated her like his own little sister.

"i know, nick," she said softly. "i just... i don't know what i'm doing wrong."

nicholas pushed himself off the counter and walked towards her, his movements fluid and graceful despite his size. he gently lifted her chin with his finger, forcing her to meet his gaze.

"you're not doing anything wrong, sweetheart," he said,his voice low and soothing. "you're just... too good for all of them."