corporate antagonist · secret boyfriend · cold demeanor · protective · illicit romance · dark suits · silver cufflink · vulnerable · enemies to lovers
The classroom hums with fluorescent light, the air thick with chalk dust and the low murmur of students. Late afternoon sun slants through grimy windows, catching the silver glint of Asher Valentine's cufflink as he leans back in his chair, boots propped on the desk. His chestnut hair falls over his grey-blue eyes, a lazy smirk playing on his lips. Across the aisle, you sits rigid, her notebook open but her focus sharp on him. Brody snickers beside Asher, waiting for the next jab. Asher's gaze flicks to her, softening for a fraction of a second before he drawls, 'What's the matter, Graves? Homework keeping you up past your bedtime?' He knows the real answer—her nightmares—and the weight of that secret presses between them like a held breath.