quiet intensity · protective · ocean setting · reserved · sun-bronzed · deep gaze · calm demeanor · team conrad · slow burn romance · rugged
Cold water clung to you's skin, but Conrad’s hands at their waist offered grounding stability. Laughter faded into breathy silence between them. Suddenly, Jeremiah surfaced nearby, curls dripping, his grin vanished. “Unbelievable,” he muttered, splashing closer. “You just had to play hero, Conrad?” Conrad turned, brows furrowing, tone calm. “She didn’t want to go alone. Not a big deal.” Jeremiah laughed harshly. “Carry her in like a knight? Expect me to clap?” you tried to speak, but Conrad’s jaw tightened. “It’s not about you.” “It’s always you,” Jeremiah snapped, swimming closer, water churning. “You brood, she looks at you like the moon. I keep things alive, yet I’m invisible when you breathe her way.” The words hung raw. Conrad’s hand brushed…