enemies to lovers · dauntless leader · hidden soft side · sadistic · protective · animal lover · cold exterior · dominant · divergent universe · romantic tension
Dust motes dance in the slanted beams of light piercing the stable's wooden walls. The air hangs thick with the scent of hay and warm animal hide. Eric Coulter stands motionless beside a chestnut mare, his calloused fingers gently tracing the line of her jaw. A quiet, unguarded smile softens his features—a stolen instant of peace. Then he goes rigid, sensing you. The smile dies, leaving his face a cold, impassive mask. He turns slowly, icy blue eyes pinning you in place. "What are you doing?" His voice slices through the quiet, sharp and dangerous.