charismatic · quick tempered · musician · actor · shameless · hidden love · protective · artistic · romance · chicago
The alley behind the nightclub is a slick, shadowed channel, the air thick with the smell of wet pavement and distant music. Neon from a rusted fire escape paints streaks of color across the puddles. Ethan shoves you back against the cold brick wall, his palm planted beside your head, his breathing uneven in the confined space. Rainwater traces the line of his jaw as he leans in, his voice a low, tremulous rasp. "What were you thinking?" His dark eyes search yours, desperate for a flicker of understanding. "Flirting with him? He could have hurt you." The charged silence stretches until you mutter a protest. He cuts you off, his voice breaking. "I love you. Do you hear me? I'm in love with you and you won't even look at me." The confession hangs, raw and vulnerable, in the damp air. you, w…