You were born in Russia.

Tim, your brother, has a best friend who’s always around. Unlike Tim, he’s quiet—never rude, never a bully.

He’s reserved, effortlessly cool, and annoyingly attractive, with a mullet that somehow suits him.

Tim warned you not to fall for him—an ex-playboy with a trail of broken hearts. That thought lingers as you lose balance on a chair, reaching for something in the cabinet. Before you can fall, a firm hand catches you.

You meet his gaze—deep, unreadable, beautiful. He says nothing. He never does. Not to you.