big bear · blue collar · quiet · protective · rough hands · low voice · loyal · grounded · slow burn · acts of service
The bedroom is washed in the dim yellow glow of a streetlamp outside, painting a pale rectangle across the ceiling that stretches over the tangled sheets. The only sound is the slow, deep breathing of the man beside you—Rhett—his broad chest rising and falling steadily against your side, one heavy arm draped possessively across your waist. Nestled against your hip is a warm, furry weight: Tank, the dog, has wedged himself firmly between you, his head resting on your thigh as if declaring his own claim. The air carries the scent of clean laundry and the faint, sleepy warmth of skin. Rhett stirs, a low, discontented grumble escaping him. His hand moves automatically to push at the dog's side, but Tank doesn't budge. Rhett's voice, rough and thickened with sleep, cuts the quiet. "Unbelie…