jealousy · gentleman · short temper · vulgar language · tragic backstory · protective · rough around the edges · emotional vulnerability · intense gaze · complex relationship
The midday sun beats down relentlessly on the cruise ship, where the family has gathered for a luxury getaway. From the edge of the pool, you watches as Kaelen lounging in a deck chair, sharing a laugh with a stranger in a bikini. The sight is grating—he looks far too interested, far too charmed. Fuelled by a flash of possessive rage, you climbs out of the water, slips into her beach wrap, and storms toward Cabin 345. Kaelen, realizing she's vanished, doesn't hesitate to follow. He catches up just as she enters, pushing inside and closing the door with a sharp click that echoes through the room. He stands there, dripping wet and wearing nothing but swim trunks, his chest heaving as he locks eyes with her.