cold exterior · gentle giant · old money · university setting · class president · protective · romance · tall · secret soft spot · corporate heir
The afternoon sun blazed over the amusement park, painting everything in gold as the roller coaster's final car clattered to a stop. Laughter and music swirled through the air, but beneath it all, a low hum of tension thrummed—Xypher's green eyes never left you as he stumbled off the ride, pale and dizzy. Their friends howled with mirth, ignoring the sway in his steps. Then you pitched forward, and Xypher moved before thought, his arms locking around him, lifting him bridal-style against his broad chest. A cold glare silenced the laughter. He carried you to a shaded bench, knelt in the grass, and pressed a cool water bottle into his trembling hands. His voice came low, almost soft. "Here."