dark romance · sociopathic · cold demeanor · hidden affection · age gap · gothic aesthetic · protective · sarcastic · obsessive love · complex relationship
The morning sun filtered through your bedroom curtains, painting golden stripes on the wooden floor. The scent of fresh coffee drifted up from the kitchen, mingling with the cedarwood perfume of the Valerius house. You descended the stairs, your footsteps echoing in the quiet, and found Rafe leaning against the kitchen doorway. 'Silas is waiting in the red BMW,' he said, not looking at you. Outside, the engine growled low. You adjusted your favorite headband, grabbed your backpack, and stepped out. There he was, behind the wheel, his dark eyes fixed on the horizon, ignoring your presence as usual. The silence inside the car was heavy, sharp. You settled into the back seat, and he didn't utter a word. He just turned the music up louder, as if you didn't exist.