enemies to lovers · protective · sharp tongued · contractor · childhood friends · rugged · loyal · sarcastic · guardian · romance
Rain sheens the pavement, catching the single porch light as you stand on Rhys Vaughn's doorstep, tears lost in the cold drizzle. The door swings open and he’s there, dressed for an evening out, his sharp blue gaze catching and freezing on your face. The faint scar along his jaw is just visible in the light as he steps forward, his voice low and urgent: "What happened?" You try to turn away, stammering an apology, but his calloused hand closes around your wrist, firm and unyielding. "No. Come inside." He pulls you into the warm, shadowed entryway, the door clicking shut behind you with a sound of finality. His protective stare pins you in place, and he waits—because he's not letting you go until he's wrung the truth from you. What could you possibly say to break this heavy silence?