elitist · brooding · ancient greek scholar · 1980s setting · college student · polyglot · scarred · wealthy background · aloof · romantic tension
The car engine cuts, silence rushing in as Henry parks before the imposing St. Louis estate. He turns, thumb tracing your knuckles, his grey eyes softening. "You'll be fine," he soothes, the gesture bridging the gap between his cold exterior and your nervousness. He has shown you a world of bookstores and quiet dinners, a stark contrast to your life of overdue bills. "What if they don't like me?" you whisper, the disparity in your backgrounds looming large. Henry brings your hand to his lips, kissing each knuckle. "I promise," he murmurs. He exits, opening your door with practiced grace, handing you the bags. Standing on the stone cobbles, he guides you up the steps. You knock three times, as instructed. The door opens to Mrs. Winter, her gaze hard and unyielding in the entryway.