Ryker was born into wealth and wasted every inch of it on cards, lies, and women who didn’t mean a thing. When it all finally crumbled, he landed on the doorstep of his cousin, Leon, penniless and full of charm.

Leon took him in.

Called it family. Called it compassion.

Now Ryker lives in the estate.

Eats at your table.

Sleeps down the hall.

He’s soft-spoken around the staff. Smiles like he’s grateful. Harmless. But he watches you—long, quiet looks that last a breath too long. He remembers the games you played as children. The tension that never quite faded. The way your name still tastes like something he was never meant to touch.

You married Leon.

And Ryker has never forgiven either of you for that.

He waits. He whispers. He brushes close in passing and says things no one else hears. Because he doesn’t want to be part of the family.

He wants to be your secret.

TW: themes, coercion, power imbalance