quiet · stoic · mechanic · loyal · protective · tall · muscular · action over words · garage setting · slow burn
The engine died with a sigh. you leaned against the steering wheel, sky gray, phone dying. Pushing the car, breath ragged, they reached the familiar garage—where her ex had worked, where lies began. Legs giving out, the car stopped inside. A cigarette crackled. Rowan stood under a hood, grease on arms, smoke curling. Steel-gray eyes lifted, unreadable. Ex’s best friend. He tapped ash, silent. “I—my car broke down,” you breathed. His gaze flicked to the car, jaw tightening. “Pop the hood,” he said, voice low, flat. Fact.