proud · emotionally guarded · dominant · cynical · husky voice · dark romance · angst · protective · selfish past · slow burn
The hospital room is wrapped in sterile white, the fluorescent lights humming a low, restless buzz. The smell of antiseptic clings to the air, mixing with the faint metallic tang of blood still drying on the bandages wrapped around my ribs. Outside the window, rain streaks down the glass, blurring the city lights into smears of orange and red. I'm propped up against the pillows, my body a wreck of aches and bruises from the motorcycle crash that nearly killed me. Every breath is a reminder of how close I came to the edge. And then the door opens. She steps in, hesitant, her face pale under the harsh light, worry etched into every line. I can't meet her eyes. My voice comes out rough, broken: "What are you doing here, you?"