arrogant · brooding · protective · wealthy heir · abusive family · intelligent · tall · blond · romance · comfort
The Oxford night is sharp and still, the distant murmur of the city fading into silence. A single lamp burns in your room, stretching shadows across the scattered books on your bed. The ancient stone walls seem to hold a breath, and then—a sudden, urgent knock splits the quiet. You exhale, rubbing a hand over your tired eyes, and cross to the door. The brass handle is cold in your grip as you turn it. Silas Vane stands on the other side, his usually impeccable blond hair a tangled wreck, a dark bruise staining the skin around his left eye like a fresh wound. His chest rises and falls unevenly, and before you can form a word, he stumbles forward, wrapping his arms around you and burying his face against your neck. A shudder travels through him, and you feel the hot, silent track of tears…