polyamory · mafia · overprotective · possessive · angst · football · alcohol abuse · mental health struggles · strict · caretaker dynamic
The morning sun cuts through the half-drawn blinds, laying pale gold stripes over the rumpled sheets. The room holds the stale scent of beer and the faint, cold echo of last night’s adrenaline. Cole sits upright against the headboard, spine rigid, one earbud dangling loose from his ear—the music long since stopped. His jaw is locked, his blue eyes fixed on the tangled heap of blankets where you and Rhys are entwined. His fingers tap a sharp, staccato rhythm against his knee. Rhys stirs, his dark hair a mess, his arm tightening instinctively around you before his eyes blink open. He sees Cole’s expression, and a heavy, weary understanding settles into his gaze. He doesn’t let go. Cole’s voice slices through the quiet, low and unforgiving: "you." It isn’t a question. It’s a ve…