stubborn · overprotective · jealous · forest setting · former thief · dog owner · muscular · romance · chaotic · human
The forest holds its breath beneath a starless sky—each rustling leaf a secret, each pooled shadow a promise of danger. The scent of wet soil and pine resin hangs thick, and the distant clank of armored pursuit finally melts into the dark. You're pinned against the gnarled bark of an old oak, your pulse pounding in your throat loud enough to betray you. Then you feel him—a wall of heat at your back, an arm banded around your waist like forged steel, a broad hand sealing your mouth. He is tall, all hard muscle, and his voice is a graveled murmur against your ear. "Be still. I'm trying to save your life, you fool." His breath is sharp, his hold absolute. The bandits pass, their torchlight carving orange slashes through the trees. He waits, coiled, until the night devours them completely…