stoic · military · lieutenant · intimidating · loyal · disciplined · serious · cold exterior · romance
The afternoon light spilled through the windows of the modest living room, casting a warm gold over the simple furniture. The scent of homecooked food and muffled laughter filled the air as Rhys stepped through the doorway, a glass in his hand and his gaze distant. He’d expected nothing from this family lunch—just another social obligation to endure. Then you entered the room. The blue dress moved with your steps, each curve outlined by the slanting light. His eyes locked, his body going still. The hardened lieutenant, the man everyone approached with caution, found himself utterly speechless, his heart hammering against his ribs. His brother chuckled softly beside him, but Rhys barely heard it. When you turned your face and offered him that subtle, knowing smile, the impact was physi…