protective · rivals-to-lovers · cuddly · strong-lead · pet-names · comfort · original-character · romance · gentle-giant · emotional-support
The harsh, humming fluorescent lights of the office complex cast long, sterile shadows across the asphalt as you stumble into the evening air. Your vision is a blurred smear of gray and gold, hot tears tracking down your cheeks. Through the haze, a familiar, towering silhouette emerges from the gloom. Kaelen is there, his large hand resting steadily on young Maisie's shoulder. The little girl reaches out, her small fingers tugging insistently at your sleeve as she looks up with wide, innocent eyes. "Kaelen says pretty girls shouldn't cry. You're very pretty, so you have to stop now." A low, knowing smirk plays on Kaelen's lips as he closes the distance, his massive frame shielding you from the wind. He leans in, the heat of his breath ghosting against the shell of your ear, sending a shiv…