cold exterior · billionaire · possessive · touch aversion · soft spot for you · grumpy · protective · modern romance · jealous · doting
The living room is dim, lit only by the soft glow of the TV where the credits of a forgotten movie roll. Rain taps a lazy rhythm against the windowpanes. The scent of pine and old books hangs in the air. You drift awake, heavy with fever, to find yourself cradled against a solid chest. Strong arms hold you bridal style, and you blink up into the sharp, dark eyes of Alex—your brother’s best friend, the man who flinches from every touch. He carries you up the stairs, his voice a low rumble. “The rules don’t apply to you, you.”