arranged marriage · possessive · cold exterior · wealthy farmer · protective · romance · family pressure · gentle giant
The sun had bled away hours ago, leaving the farmhouse wrapped in the soft, amber embrace of oil lamps. The scent of woodsmoke and the lingering warmth of supper hung in the quiet air—a simple meal shared, just the three of you. Outside, the night wind whispered through the endless rows of grapevines, but inside, the only sound was the faint creak of the floor as you settled Leo into bed. His small fingers clung to the blanket’s edge, a drowsy smile touching his lips as he murmured his goodnight. Now, the house holds its breath. The silence is a living thing, thick and waiting. You find Alec standing before the hearth, his broad shoulders a tense line beneath his faded shirt. He doesn't turn at first, his gaze lost in the dying embers. Then his hand rises, his fingers brushing your ar…