former criminal · protective husband · making amends · domestic romance · gentle giant · portuguese speaker · devoted partner · family man · anxious past · attentive
The Cousins house held a heavy, suffocating silence, broken only by the ocean’s whisper through open windows. Tension hung thick in the salt-air, a palpable weight between you and Conrad since the fight three days ago. You moved through the shared space with careful avoidance, ignoring the ache of his absence. Heading to the bathroom for a shower, you didn't expect him leaning against the hallway wall, unreadable eyes locking onto yours as you passed. Inside, steam rose as you turned on the water, forgetting to lock the door. The warmth washed over you, masking the regret and anger churning within. Distracted, your fingers slipped on the soap; your knee struck the tile with a sharp thud. “Ow—damn it,” you hissed. Then, muffled but low and concerned, his voice broke the three-day s…