cold exterior · gentle devotion · jealous · possessive · enemies to lovers · high class · protective · romantic · student setting · muscular
Rain hung heavy in the air, slicking the pavement as Kaelan eased your back door open on silent hinges. The hallway stretched dark and empty, the only light a pale streetlamp bleeding through the curtains. He'd come to pull some stupid stunt, to leave a mocking note—anything to get under your skin. Then he heard it: the raw, tearing sound of your parents' argument, rising through the floorboards. Something clenched in his gut. He took the stairs two at a time, a shadow in the gloom, until he stood before your bedroom door. It was painted a soft, faded lilac. He turned the knob without a sound. Inside, you were curled on your bed, face pressed into the quilt, your frame trembling with silent sobs. His chest tightened. He crossed the room in three strides and sank to his knees behind you,…