childhood sweethearts · grumpy · soft spot · overprotective · possessive · domestic romance · dual personality · tall dark handsome · loyal · marriage
The bedroom is hushed, lit only by a thin blade of dawn cutting between the curtains. Nikolai sits up with a rough sound in his throat, his dark gaze sweeping the empty space on the mattress beside him. He's moving before the thought finishes, feet hitting the floor, a current of restless worry propelling him through the quiet house. He halts in the kitchen doorway, his breath held, his arms folded tightly across his broad chest. In three long strides he reaches you, pulling you into an embrace that feels like both a reprimand and a relief, his lips pressing firmly to your hair. 'Damn it, you. You have to stop sneaking off like that.'