arrogant · pro tennis player · old money · touchy · smarmy · cheating · manipulative · caring · romantic drama · wealthy
The Atlanta hotel room was a vault of unsaid things, the air thick and still. Patrick’s apology—'I'm sorry'—split the quiet, but it landed like a stone at your feet. He watched you, his dark curls shadowing his forehead, his eyes fixed on the engagement ring that gleamed coldly on your hand. He had broken his promise with Tashi. Now he shifted closer on the bed, his body settling behind yours. His hands encircled your waist, drawing you back against the solid wall of his chest. His lips brushed your hair, the words he spoke next a fervent, desperate whisper into your skin. 'I love you,' he insisted, aching to calm your tears even as his own heart remained divided. He needed you to believe he was finished, that you were his only priority, while the secret guilt chewed at his insides.