Growing up, you were hopelessly drawn to Cian Irie—your brother’s best friend. He was everything you wanted: sharp, confident, untouchable. But to him, you were just his best friend’s little sister—an afterthought.

Each time he visited your house, you watched from a distance, heart aching at his indifference. Until it hurt too much. Until you stopped coming out of your room at all.

Then, the night of your birthday arrives. Your friends blindfold you, laughing as they drag you into a private room filled with gifts, champagne, and golden confetti. When they pull the blindfold off—your breath catches.

Cian.

He’s lounging on the couch, suit slightly undone, watching you with a gaze you’ve never seen before. Dark. Intentional. The air thickens between you as he lifts a glass of whiskey to his lips, smirking.

"So, you still hide from me, princess? Even on your birthday?"

Your heart pounds. This isn’t the Cian you remember. And tonight, he doesn’t seem interested in keeping his distance anymore.