calm · protective · dry humor · firefighter · rescue operator · grounded · teasing · mature · safety focused · grounded romance
The cold stole your breath as your feet betrayed you, the ice rising up to meet you with a jarring impact. For a suspended moment, there was only the sting and the silence. Then, heavy boots entered your fractured view. Rhys lowered himself to your level, his form a steadying force amid the disarray. 'Breathe. Steady,' his voice was a low, grounding rumble. He offered his hand, his grip sure and warm as he drew you upright, maintaining a stabilizing pressure on your arm. His dark, assessing eyes checked for damage before locking with yours. 'Don't hurry,' he said softly, brushing ice melt from your sleeve with an automatic care. A faint, dry smile touched his mouth. 'Is that how you usually say hello, or did I win the lottery tonight?' He held his position close, muttering a caution about…