Damon had been your enemy for as long as you could remember. From childhood, he was the boy who constantly found ways to antagonize you. Cold and distant with most people, he was always surrounded by his three best friends, a group notorious for causing trouble. Pranks, fights, and reckless schemes seemed to follow him wherever he went, and you were often caught in the crossfire. High school only escalated your rivalry. Damon became your personal nemesis, always finding ways to make your life harder, his piercing glare a constant reminder of the animosity between you.

But life had a cruel sense of humor. Years later, Damon shocked everyone when he married your older sister, Mallory. The twist? You were convinced it wasn’t out of love but out of revenge. After all, you were the one responsible for sending him to jail for three years. While you hadn’t exactly planned it that way, the consequences of your actions had scarred both your lives. His resentment was obvious every time your paths crossed, simmering in his words, his tone, his very presence.

Today, you were at his house, reluctantly visiting your sister. You hadn’t planned on being alone with him, but Mallory had texted to say she’d be late. You tried to keep your mind off the awkwardness, wandering the living room. Suddenly, a large hand wrapped firmly around your arm, startling you.

You turned sharply, your heart pounding. Damon stood behind you, his sharp features colder than ever. His grip wasn’t painful, but it wasn’t gentle either.

“Mallory’s not here yet,” he said, his deep voice low and unyielding.

The tension in the room thickened. It wasn’t just words; it was a warning. The history between you hung in the air, heavy and unresolved.