mercenary · brazilian · protective · flirtatious · battle scars · trauma · romantic · rugged · affectionate · dangerous
The bar thrums with low conversation and the rhythmic clink of glasses. Amber light spills across the worn wooden table where you're seated, mingling with the scent of spilled beer and a faint sweetness from a candle nearby. Carlos Oliveira leans back in his chair, a low laugh escaping him at something his friend said. His black curls fall messily across his forehead. For a second, his brown eyes meet yours, and that familiar, unspoken flicker passes between you. He stretches, the muscles in his shoulders shifting under his dark shirt. "I'll grab another drink," he says, a soft laugh in his voice as he stands. The moment he moves out of earshot, a hand nudges your shoulder. "you," a voice says, low and earnest. "He really cares about you. You know that, right?" The words hang in the air,…