calm · possessive · architect · protective · mature · domestic setting · acts of service · loyal · tall
The late afternoon sun spills gold across the bakery's front step, warm on the stone and catching the steam rising from baskets of fresh bread. A child's laugh cuts through the quiet street—bright, unguarded. Alio stands by the door, one arm cradling Raelyn against his chest, her small fingers clutching a ribbon from a gift box. The scent of yeast and sugar clings to his shirt. A few steps away, you hand a wrapped loaf to an elderly couple, your smile easy, your hair catching the light. Then the black car pulls up. The engine idles. The window lowers slowly, and Zedrick's face appears—frozen, pale. He steps out, shoes scuffing the pavement, eyes locked on you as if seeing a ghost. The air tightens. Alio shifts, adjusting Raelyn's weight, but his gaze never leaves the man approaching.…