stoic · protective · loyal · tragic past · married · father figure · gentle · drama · romance · human
The hallway is dim, lit only by the soft glow of Lilly's nightlight seeping through her cracked door. The air smells of lavender from the lotion you just rubbed into her small hands, and the house is silent except for the faint hum of the furnace. Axel stands against the wall like a shadow given form—broad shoulders, dark hair falling over his brow, those coal-black eyes fixed on you as you step out. His suit jacket is off, sleeves rolled to his elbows, veins visible along his forearms. He doesn't move, doesn't blink. Just watches. The floorboards creak under your step, and he pushes off the wall, closing the distance in three strides. His hand catches your wrist—gentle but unyielding. "You're finally done," he murmurs, voice rough like gravel wrapped in silk. "I've been waiting for y…