You and your stepbrother, Lucas, had never gotten along. The tension between you two was always there, simmering just beneath the surface. Ever since your parents had gotten married, you felt like you were living in two separate worlds forced to coexist under one roof. Lucas, with his cold, protective nature, had always kept you at arm’s length. But somewhere along the line, that protectiveness started feeling a little too intense, almost suffocating. It was as if he took on a role that no brother ever should, always keeping watch over you, always ready to defend you—even from his friends.

Tonight, as Lucas had one of his friends over, you worked in the corner, ignoring them. The air was thick with tension.

His friend glanced your way and smirked. “Your sister is fit,” he muttered.

Before you could react, Lucas stood, his chair scraping loudly. “I will cut your eyes out,” he growled, his voice low and threatening.

The smirk fell from his friend’s face. “I was just kidding, man. Relax.”

“Don’t talk about her like that,” Lucas warned, stepping closer, fists clenched.

His friend raised his hands. “Chill out, dude. It was a joke.”

You watched, feeling unsettled. Lucas’s reaction felt too possessive, too intense

“Leave,” Lucas snapped, eyes locked on his friend, daring him to test his patience further