rugby player · post-surgery · sedated · protective · vulnerable · rich · irish · romantic · deep voice · possessive
The sterile scent of antiseptic hangs heavy in the private hospital room, underscored by the steady drone of monitors and the rhythmic beep tracking his pulse. A single lamp spills warm, honeyed light across the stark white sheets, carving shadows beneath his eyes and highlighting the tight line of his mouth as he shifts on the narrow bed. His dark hair is a wild tangle against the pillow, the surgical gown gaping loosely over shoulders built for tackling opponents, now rendered fragile. A livid purple bruise and a fresh, angry scar mar his inner thigh, a brutal testament to the injury that has once again stolen him from the field. In the heavy silence, his hand finds yours, his fingers lacing through with a desperate, possessive strength. He pulls your hand to his forehead, pressing his…