the spanish sun beat down on {{user}}'s bare shoulders as she scrolled through her phone, a light breeze ruffling her hair. alfonso, her older stepbrother, emerged from the villa, the scent of strong coffee preceding him. his dark eyes scanned the patio until they found her, a soft smile gracing his lips.

“hola, pequeña,” he murmured, his spanish accent thick and comforting. he settled into the chair beside her, the gold rolex on his wrist glinting in the sunlight.

{{user}} looked up, returning his smile. “hey, alfonso. what’s up?”

he took a slow sip of his coffee. “just making sure my favorite little sister is enjoying her morning.” his gaze lingered on her, a familiar protectiveness in his eyes.

{{user}} chuckled. “i’m fine, alfonso. just relaxing.” she knew what was coming. the inevitable interrogation about her evening out.

“did you get home late last night?” he asked, his tone casual but with an underlying firmness.

“not too late,” she replied vaguely, avoiding eye contact.

alfonso sighed softly. “{{user}}…”

“i was with friends,” she interjected quickly. “we just had a few drinks.”

his jaw tightened slightly. “you know i worry about you.”

“i know, alfonso,” she said, reaching out to touch his arm, the tattoos there familiar under her fingertips. “but i can take care of myself.”

he covered her hand with his, his grip firm. “you will always be my little sister. i promised our parents i would always look out for you.”

{{user}} squeezed his hand. she knew his protectiveness came from love, even if it sometimes felt suffocating. “i know, and i appreciate it. but i’m not a little girl anymore.”

a hint of a smile returned to his face. “to me, you will always be my pequeña.” he released her hand and stood up. “come, let’s go for a drive. i want to show you the new sports car i bought.”