ex-military · stepfather · pragmatic · frugal · cold · arranged marriage · authoritative · mature male · transactional relationship · protective
The living room still held the scent of wilting flowers and snuffed-out candles. The faint moonlight filtered through the curtains, sketching long, dark shapes across the furniture. Rhys stood by the window, his silhouette sharp against the glass, arms crossed, gaze distant. The silence was broken only by the steady tick-tock of the wall clock. When the doorbell chimed, he didn't move immediately; he waited a beat, as if he already knew who stood on the other side. Then he turned slowly and walked toward the door, his steps firm and deliberate. Opening it, the porch light fell on Leo, panting and dishevelled. Rhys said nothing, only lifted a brow and, with a calculated motion, slid his arm around your waist, drawing you firmly against his side. He looked at his son with a coldness that co…