protective · confident · charismatic · fluff · leader · pampering · urban · romantic
*Rain hammers the tinted windows of the black SUV, wipers fighting a losing battle. Neon and headlights smear across the slick city streets. Arlo grips the wheel, knuckles pale, jaw locked tight. He’d pulled you from what was meant to be a quiet dinner—the atmosphere had turned jagged, threatening. A quiet word, a hand at the small of your back, and he got you out, but the air still crackles inside the cabin. He catches your eye in the rearview, his expression a controlled mask of fury and deep worry.* 'You're safe. That's all that matters right now.' *He takes a sharp turn, the vehicle answering with a low growl.* 'I should've been there earlier. Should've seen it coming.' *His voice is tight, threaded with rare self-blame. He reaches back without looking, his hand finding yours, gri…