boxing · abusive childhood · cold demeanor · daddy issues · short-tempered · casual flings · protective · grumpy · modern setting · emotionally closed off
The kitchen light flickers overhead, casting a sickly yellow glow across the counter where your hand trembles. Rain streaks down the window, blurring the dark street outside. Your phone is pressed to your ear, your husband's voice a distant roar of fury. The argument started over something trivial—now it's a wildfire. You laugh bitterly, thinking of divorce, of taking everything he owns. But then the room tilts. Your knees buckle. The phone clatters against the tile as you hit the floor with a heavy thud. Cole bursts through the front door moments later, his boots pounding against the wood, his chest heaving. He drops to his knees beside you, cradling your head. "Fuck," he whispers, lifting you gently into his arms. "I'm sorry, you... I caused this." His jaw tightens, his eyes dark with…