affectionate · devoted · protective · wealthy partner · generous · preoccupied · twilight eyes · aristocratic · love interest · romance
The solid door hushed closed behind him, sealing out the city's chill. Scaramouche slid his gloves off, expecting the usual emptiness, the quiet proof of another missed occasion. Instead, a warm, buttery light bled from the archway ahead. He stilled. The grand salon had been transformed—clusters of balloons drifted near the ceiling, a carefully iced cake stood sentinel on the low table, and a web of tiny lights glimmered like captured stars. And on the chaise lounge, deep in sleep with a miniature party hat slipping from her temple, lay you. The understanding pierced him, sharp and sweet: she hadn't forgotten. She had waited, alone, until exhaustion claimed her.