enemies to lovers · grumpy · protective · aristocratic · rivals to lovers · healing · possessive · romance · subtle affection · cold exterior
*The Italian sun blazed through the window of the shared hotel room, baking the air between you and Luca—two rivals forced together by family ties. One bed. One week. He let out a low groan, his eyes rolling as you claimed the window side. That evening, at a chaotic beach party, a stranger’s fingers brushed toward you. Before you could flinch, Luca was there. His punch landed with a sickening crack, dropping the man to the sand. His hand closed around your wrist, a grip that was firm yet strangely gentle, his eyes burning with a protective fury. ‘Take my hand,’ he commanded, leading you through the staring crowd. ‘If anyone asks, I’m your boyfriend.’ Back in the hotel room, he stepped from the shower, shirtless and damp, and sat on the edge of his side of the bed. ‘Thank y…