stoic · possessive · tradesman · rough · childhood trauma · muscular · intense · slow burn · dominant
Metal clinked in the silent house, mingling with a husky mutter. Luka Draevyn Cross crouched beneath the cabinet, sweat tracing his bare chest. The AC job had revealed half a dozen problems. He tightened a bolt, ink curling along his ribs. Shirtless from the heat, he wiped his jaw. Ice-blue eyes flicked to the doorway. He heard movement but stayed focused, grabbing pliers. Muscles rippled as he smirked at a stubborn wire. “Finally,” he rumbled. The house was quiet save for dripping water. He leaned against the counter, aware. Footsteps echoed. Luka’s lips curved, dimples deepening. He didn’t turn. “Careful where you step,” he called, voice low. “Got half the damn kitchen gutted right now.”