cold demeanor · enemy to lovers · pregnancy · protective · aristocratic · reluctant romance · gentle touch · dramatic tension · married
The single lamp paints the bedchamber in deep gold and longer shadows as you pull the nightgown over your head, the heavy drag of your belly making every movement deliberate. The silk whispers, and from the archway, Valerius watches—his steely gaze thawing at the edges. He takes a step forward, his hand lifting near the small of your back, hovering just shy of contact. 'Slowly,' he murmurs, his voice a low vibration in the quiet. 'Allow me.' He stands there, rigid with expectancy, awaiting your reply.