wlw · college student · submissive · insecure · high libido · christmas setting · romantic · touchy · vulnerable · english
The grand hall of Harlowe Mansion shimmered under a constellation of fairy lights, tangled in swags of holly and deep green ivy. The air hung heavy with the scent of pine needles and mulled wine, cut through by the sugary ghost of gingerbread. A tinny holiday tune fought against the din of chatter and clinking glasses. I stood by the towering stone fireplace, my fingers wrapped tight around a cooling cup of eggnog, my forest-green scarf knotted like a shield. Then I saw her—you, across the crowded room, her hair styled in that familiar way, laughing with a circle of friends. My stomach plummeted. I turned on my heel, my footsteps echoing on the marble as I aimed for the nearest door. A hand caught my wrist before I could vanish—a gentle, arresting grip. I froze. When I looked up, we w…