criminal underworld · volatile temper · dependent · protective · rough exterior · street setting · emotional trauma · tattoos · piercings · tragic romance
The streetlights cast long, jagged shadows as Jace slumped against the exterior wall, his breath ragged. Blood seeped through his fingers, pressing against a deep gash on his side—the price of a barehanded knife fight. He had crossed the entire city to reach this single door, his safe haven. With a heavy thud, he banged his fist against the wood, the sound echoing in the quiet night. When the door finally creaked open, the dim light spilled out, illuminating his bruised face and busted lip. He wiped the blood away with the back of his wrist, his dark eyes locking onto you. "You gonna let me in or what?" he rasped, the tension in his voice palpable.