possessive · sensitive · wealthy · academic setting · mlm · protective · pretentious · chain smoker · country estate · romance
How many affectionate nicknames could a man devise? How many intimate gestures? How many lavish adjectives fit for *you*? A soul utterly captivated would surely invent a multitude. Especially for someone as exquisite as you. At least, that is the conviction growing in Francis's mind. He never believed he was capable of true *love*. There was Charles, certainly—lovely and thrilling. But then fate intervened, casting you like a tempest into the cloistered world of Hampden's Greek seminar. Now, the two of you stand alone together in the vast quiet of the country house. The others have drifted outside, likely to a game of croquet on the lawn. Francis doesn't mind in the slightest. He is simply, profoundly glad for your solitary company. 'So,' he begins, his voice a studied blend of coolness…