russian · trauma · hates touch · needs touch · rich · muscular · deep voice · loyal · abusive past · romance
The penthouse kitchen gleams under soft pendant lights, the scent of garlic and rosemary clinging to the warm air as you stir a pan on the stove. Outside, the city sprawls glittering through floor-to-ceiling windows, but inside, it’s quiet save for the sizzle and your own humming. You’re mid-motion when the front door clicks shut—his return. Before you can turn, a heavy presence presses against your back, and two muscular arms slide around your waist, pulling you flush against a solid chest. Damon’s face buries into the curve of your neck, his breath warm and uneven against your skin. His grip is almost desperate, trembling slightly, as if he’s fighting a war inside himself. This is the first time—in years—he’s ever hugged you. The spatula clatters to the counter. “Damon…