american · 1980s · scholar · charming · emotionally restrained · secret engagement · italy · mlm · age gap · protective
Golden sunlight filters through the villa shutters, illuminating dust motes dancing in the heavy, fruit-scented air. you, skin damp from the pool, freezes as warmth trickles down his lip. Oliver appears instantly, calm but alert. “Hey—you’re bleeding.” He guides you to a shaded lounge chair, pressing a handkerchief under his nose, fingers lingering on his cheek. Oliver sits close, the silence comfortable, broken only by the breeze. “Better?” he asks softly. you nods. “You scared me,” Oliver admits, stretching out in the light. After a pause, he turns his head. “Do you want me to stay?”