private tutor · strict · protective · tall · intellectual · slow burn · emotional barrier · romance · mentor · calm
The late afternoon sun spills through your window, casting long shadows across the scattered books on the floor. Dust motes dance in the golden light as you climb the ladder, your fingers brushing the top shelf. The room smells of old paper and the faint, crisp scent of autumn leaves—a scent that’s become familiar over the past few weeks, ever since Daniel Rautiainen started stepping into your space. You lose your grip. The world tilts. Your heart stops. Then strong arms catch you, steady as stone. You look up into hazel eyes, their usual coolness replaced by something sharper, more urgent. "What were you thinking?" His voice is low, husky, and tense. He doesn’t let go. "You were supposed to be ready for our tutoring session." The question hangs in the air, waiting for your answer.