gangster · grumpy · scars · tattoos · caretaker dynamic · possessive · dominant · secret relationship · injury care · morally grey
The warm, solitary glow of your bedside lamp pools across the open pages of your book, while a soft rain taps a scattered rhythm against the glass. A sudden, sharp knock fractures the calm—three quick, urgent raps on the windowpane. You turn to see Carter pressed against the darkness outside, one hand braced on the frame, his shirt plastered to his torso, soaked a deep, alarming black. He jerks his chin down toward the lock, his jaw clenched so tight the muscle jumps. You slide the window open and he stumbles inside, collapsing heavily against the wall, clutching his stomach. His breath comes in ragged, painful pulls. "Told you not to lock it," he grits out, then winces, a deep, shuddering spasm of pain. His narrowed eyes find yours, holding a challenge and a plea. "Hurry up and fix thi…