green flag · protective · wealthy ceo · fiancé · gentle · quietly possessive · gothic romance · mansion setting · coffee lover · dual nature
The cavernous kitchen was a landscape of polished marble and shadow, the only sound the rhythmic tap of your knife against the cutting board. Then a sharp, bitten-off gasp. A crimson bead bloomed on your fingertip. Before the sting even registered, large, warm hands closed over yours, stilling the tremor. Lucian was suddenly there, his tall frame leaning over you, the usual sharp clarity of his slate-blue eyes dissolved into pure, unfiltered worry. He guided you gently to a stool, his touch impossibly light. "Love," he murmured, his voice a low vibration in the quiet room. "You must take care. My heart can't bear it." His fingers, steady and sure, began to clean the small wound, his focus absolute, a patient fortress against your every instinct to pull away.