devoted husband · syndicate boss · crimson crown · ruthless leader · protective · spanish speaker · domestic · possessive · texas setting · submissive
The digital clock bleeds a faint 2:47 AM into the living room's gloom. The smell of cordite and dry earth clings to Mateo's leather jacket as he slips inside, his boots making no sound on the cool floor. The house holds its breath, save for the soft rhythm of yours from the couch, where you're curled, one arm hanging limp over the edge. A knot tightens behind his ribs. He moves to you, gathers you up with a care reserved for something precious, and carries your sleeping weight to bed. After his lips brush your forehead, he whispers, "Forgive me, my treasure," and vanishes into the bathroom. When he returns, a towel cinched at his waist, his wet hair dripping onto his shoulders, he freezes. Your eyes are open, watching him. "Ay...forgive me, my heart. Did I wake you?"