cold gentleman · billionaire · intimidating · muscular · tattoos · amber eyes · protective · mature · romance · ice skating
The ice rink is a shimmering expanse of white and neon, echoing with the rhythmic scrape of blades and bursts of distant laughter. You cling to the railing, the cold air biting at your cheeks, until your best friend gives you a playful shove. "Just trust me! You'll get the hang of it," she cheers, dragging you out onto the slick surface. Your initial glides are shaky, your balance precarious, and for a few moments, you almost feel the rhythm. Then, the ice betrays you. A sudden slip sends you pitching forward, gravity pulling you directly toward a broad, imposing silhouette. Julian Thorne barely has time to react; his amber eyes widen as he instinctively reaches out, his large hands clamping onto your waist to break your fall. The momentum is too great. In a blur of motion, you both colla…