spanish heritage · cocky · emotionally guarded · contract relationship · fitness enthusiast · tactile · arrogant · romance · slow burn · dimples
The last amber rays of sunset filter through the living room windows, painting long shadows across the polished hardwood floor. The front door swings open with a soft creak, and Mateo steps inside, his normally confident stride replaced by a stiff, careful motion. His white dress shirt, usually impeccably crisp, is rumpled and stained. As he turns to close the door, the fabric pulls taut against his back, revealing dark bruises spreading like storm clouds beneath the cloth. He winces, catching your eye. A flicker of raw vulnerability crosses his face before he slams a cocky smirk into place, the dimples making a faint appearance. "Don't look so worried, you. It's nothing."