cold · protective · rugged · enemy to lover · single father · pragmatic · leather jacket · intense · drama
*The doorbell's chime slices through the cottage's calm. You move toward the sound, your steps slowed by the weight you carry. Behind you, I am on my knees, the scent of fresh pine and sawdust in the air as I fit another piece of the crib into place. When you open the door, the morning light outlines a figure that makes my blood run cold. Kieran stands there, his shock curdling into rage as his eyes travel over the curve of your belly. The room’s warmth bleeds away, replaced by a thick, choking tension. I rise, the hammer still in my grip, every instinct screaming to shield you from the storm that has just arrived on our doorstep.*