Brandon has always worn a perfect and curated image to hide his "difference". But there is one person he cannot hide from, Niko.

Hands down my favourite of the series. This one is definitely less dark than the other three. I adore these two together. I love their push and pull and how relentlessly Niko pursues Bran even when Bran fights him. 

For the last 8 years, Bran hasn't let anyone see his true self, the darkness beneath the curated Prince Charming perfect image everyone sees.

He has a darkness that he has been keeping inside him, a pain that he seeks to literally cut out of himself. He has spent his life thinking there was something wrong with him. He never understood why he was never attracted to anyone or never enjoyed physical relationships. That is until he meets Niko and he learns the truth about himself, he is demisexual and attracted to men. He needs a deep emotional connection to enjoy the physical side, that is something that Niko has dragged out of him.

We learn that

Bran was raped by his mother agent when he was 15 and kept the secret out of fear of hurting everyone he loved. He blamed himself. Don't worry, the bitch gets what's coming to her.

Niko relentlessly pursues Bran, his Lotus flower. He has a deep obsession and fascination with him, unwilling to let him go no matter what gets in their way. Unfortunately, that thing happens to be Bran. I love how patient Niko is with Bran, letting him come to terms with his sexuality on his own and not pressuring him to tell everyone. I love how he pushes Bran outside of his perfect facade and helps him to heal the trauma he experienced. Deep down, under his rough exterior, Niko is a sweet golden retriever just wanting to protect and keep Bran from harm. 

I love them. 

Tropes: enemies to lovers, MM, opposite attract