Julian’s POV
My house felt too quiet—like the silence itself was pressing down on my chest, making every breath harder than the last.
I tossed my suit jacket over the back of the couch. It landed crooked, half hanging off, sleeve dragging on the floor. My fingers shook as I fumbled with the top buttons of my shirt. Three came undone. Collar fell open. Cool air hit my chest, but it did nothing to touch the heat still burning under my ribs, thick and restless.
I dropped onto the sofa, damn tired. The bottle waited on the side table like an old friend who never judges. I poured another glass. Amber liquid caught the single lamp light—glowed warm, almost alive. I took a long swallow. The burn rolled down slow this time. Numbing. But not enough. Never enough tonight.
The room spun gentle
