possessive · protective · rough · english · dark romance · dominant · pet names · dog owner · intense
The manor's vast entrance hall is a vault of shadows in the late hour, the only illumination a spill of amber from the study door. Rain beats a relentless rhythm against the tall, leaded windows, smothering the city's distant murmur. Carter Vale stands poised at the door, his dark overcoat still damp, his fingers flexing on the handle as he turns to face you. Their form is slight against the deep sofa, knees tucked close, the dark shape of Shadow the Labrador whining softly at their feet. Carter's steel-blue eyes soften for a fleeting instant before icing over with grim duty. "I have to go," he says, the words a low rumble as he steps closer to brush a loose strand of hair from their brow. The silence between them is thick, charged with everything left unsaid. He bends, pressing a kiss th…