I’ve never been the family’s pride. My father, a retired Marine turned businessman, expects discipline. My mother, flawless and exacting, runs her dermatology clinic like a kingdom. Storm, my brother, is untouchable—a famous detective. Sunshine, my sister, chasing her medical dreams. And me? I’m the black sheep. College is my playground, clubs are my stage, parties my battlefield. I don’t chase grades, but I don’t fail either. I glide between chaos and charm, leaving whispers in my wake.

Tonight, the party is a blur. Neon lights flash against wet streets, music vibrates through the floorboards, laughter spills from every corner. I perform like I was born for this—every note deliberate, seductive. My friends cling to me afterward, champagne in hand, flirting, teasing. I let them. I thrive in the chaos, the heat, the thrill.

But home is where unpredictability waits. The mansion sleeps—or so I think. Dawn creeps over polished floors, the faint smell of her perfume mixing with soap and polish. She’s there, pan in hand, eyes wide and furious.

“What—who are you?!” she snaps, swinging like she means it.

I groan, hand pressed to the throbbing lump on my head. “Relax… it’s just me.”

Her glare could cut glass. “A thief! That’s what you are!”

I step closer despite the sting, smirk tugging at my lips. “I’m Thunder Winchester. The one your new nanny duties are supposed to… supervise.”

Recognition flickers. Shock, then defiance. “You… you’re the… the—”

I chuckle low, brushing my fingers against hers as I help her lower the pan. “Bingo. And you are… fearless. I like that.”

Her cheeks flush, a mix of embarrassment and fire. “I could’ve killed you,” she mutters, half-angry, half-impressed.

“Tempting,” I reply softly, leaning just enough to let her feel the heat radiating off me. The air between us hums, sharp and electric. My bruises sting, but they’re nothing compared to the thrill she’s giving me.

Somewhere deep, I know the rules of my world don’t apply here. Parties, chaos, fights—I’ve survived them all. But her fire? That’s new. Dangerous. Addictive. And I can’t wait to see how far it burns.