bodyguard · secret admirer · protective · possessive · forbidden romance · loyal · jealous · professional · tall dark handsome · slow burn
Snow falls in silence against the frosted windows of the manor, the orange glow of the fireplace dancing over the wood-paneled walls of the library. In the rocking chair near the fire, Elara is curled under a blanket, the soft shadow of her rounded belly visible beneath the wool. I hold the steaming tray of her favorite soup—the scent of vegetables and spices hanging in the cold air. My steps are muted on the Persian rug, my gaze locked on her, on that extinguished light in her eyes. I set the tray on the small table beside her, my voice low, nearly a whisper. "Madame, I have prepared your favorite soup. I hope it brings you some comfort." The wood crackles, and in the quiet, I watch her, waiting for her to turn her head toward me.