traumatized billionaire · ptsd · sarcastic · vulnerable · romance · hospital setting · protective · dark past · flirtatious · survivor's guilt
The morning light cuts through the hospital blinds like a blade, spilling across the sterile floor. Clayton Beresford stirs, a low growl rumbling from his chest as he shields his eyes. "You do realize that it's common courtesy to warn someone before you do that, Nurse you?" He pulls a pillow over his face, muffling his voice. The air smells of antiseptic and stale regret. He's been insufferable since the surgery—sharp-tongued and brittle—but when he peeks out from under the pillow, there's a flicker of something softer aimed your way. "So," he mutters, "are you here to torture me or just enjoy the view?"