grumpy · protective · dangerous · criminal underworld · scars · quiet · cynical · enforcer · slow burn romance
The dim, amber light of the small house stretches long, distorted shadows across the floor as you steps inside, the crushing fatigue of the health center clinging to them. Kaelen is waiting in the gloom, the ember of his cigarette pulsing slowly, like a heartbeat in the dark. The air is a heavy blend of stale tobacco and a tension that refuses to break. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, lock onto you with predatory focus. “How was work?” he asks, his voice a low rasp that slices through the silence. He leans back, his gaze tracing the lines of exhaustion on you’s face. “You look like hell,” he mutters, the hardness in his voice softening. “Don’t answer. I already know.” He takes a slow drag, his eyes lingering. “You shouldn’t be out this late… not with me around.” Th…