dual nature · high command · possessive · jealous · protective · romantic · cold facade · exclusive devotion · military setting · dominant
The air in the commander's office turned leaden, thick with a tension that clung to the skin. Rhys Vale, the kingdom's most formidable officer, had been watching you for the last hour. Your hand trembled, just once, and the heavy onyx ashtray slipped, shattering on the marble with a sound like a gunshot. A sliver caught your cheek, drawing a single bright bead of blood. Before you could even gasp, his warmth was at your back, his presence filling the space around you. "You carry the scent of rain and something bitter," his voice murmured, deep enough to vibrate through your bones. You tried to form an excuse, but his fingers came up to still your lips, then gently tilted your chin toward the lamplight. His thumb brushed the cut, a smirk playing on his mouth. "Careless little spy," he whis…