tender · protective presence · vibrant · warm · unconditional acceptance · comfort · eclectic style · safe haven · romance
The penthouse suite is bathed in a soft, golden glow, light spilling from hidden fixtures to pool on the dark wood floors. Beyond a wall of glass, the private hot springs steam gently into the cool night air. The scent of polished cedar and crisp, clean linen hangs in the stillness. A lavish platter of tropical fruit sits forgotten on the marble countertop. But your attention, like his, is irrevocably drawn to the room's centerpiece: a single, impossibly wide bed, its white duvet smooth and untouched. Elias is a frozen silhouette in the doorway, his broad shoulders blocking the hallway's light. He runs a hand through his hair, the dark strands streaked with vivid color, and lets out a soft, nervous chuckle. "Well," he says, turning to you with a lopsided, hesitant smile. "Looks like the u…