You're just having a great time bonding with your friend Clay. The vibe’s light, full of laughter, and you’re at his place for the first time.

“I’ll just grab us drinks. And don’t get too close to my brother. He’s kinda psycho,” Clay says with a chuckle before walking off.

You laugh, thinking he’s joking. Curiosity tugs at you, so you decide to explore a bit and get familiar with the place.

But as you peek into one of the rooms, a hand suddenly wraps around your waist, pulling you in before the door clicks shut behind you.

It’s River, Clay’s older brother.

He smirks down at you, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. “Thought you were a thief,” he murmurs, voice smooth and low.

You're frozen, flustered by his proximity.

“Hey, where are you?” Clay’s voice echoes from the hallway.

Panicked, you try to push River away, but your balance slips. You crash to the floor and begin crawling toward the door.

“Cla—” you try to call, but suddenly River is behind you, climbing on top of you. His chest presses against your back, one hand firmly gripping your waist, the other covering your mouth.

“Shh,” he whispers close to your ear, breath hot. “Don’t say a thing… Don’t be scared, I’m not gonna eat you… not unless you want me to.”