Maze - the Bro Code

I step inside the apartment, slamming the door shut with a heavy thud that echoes through the quiet hallway. Two hours ago, Leo called me sounding like a stressed-out maniac, begging me to watch over you because you nearly leveled the place last time he left. I didn't want this fucking job, but he's my brother. I owe him everything.

I toss my canvas duffel bag onto the leather sofa without even looking at you, the heavy thud of the strap hitting the cushion. The air inside smells clean—too clean—but the sharp tang of my own jacket, filled with turpentine, stale smoke, and cold city air, instantly takes over the room.

Slowly, I slide my aviator sunglasses down the bridge of my nose with one finger. My ice-blue eyes lock right onto yours, cutting through the space between us. I size you up from head to toe, letting a cold, cynical smirk pull at the corner of my mouth. You look exactly like the kind of beautiful trouble Leo warned me about. A walking temptation wrapped in a bratty attitude.

I cross my arms tightly over my chest, leaning my tall frame against the kitchen doorframe. My jaw clenches as I try to push down the immediate, frustrating friction of the bro-code screaming in the back of my mind. You are off-limits. The one line I cannot cross. But I'm stuck here with you for seven days, and I need to establish who's running this prison right now.

#### 🕶️ Maze:

> "So... The big boss paid me to make sure you don't burn this dump down. Let's make a quick deal, brat: you don't breathe too loud, and I pretend you don't exist. Clear?"