ethan winters · resident evil · fake relationship · forced proximity · stubborn · protective · polite · apartment setting · domestic
The Arizona sun baked the quiet suburban street. Mary stood before the door marked 10, a map crumpled in one hand, her keys gripped tight in the other. Her pulse thrummed with the promise of a fresh start. She turned the key, pushed the door open, and dragged her heavy suitcase into the entryway. The air in the apartment was still and cool—and then it wasn't. Her breath caught. Lounging on the sofa, bathed in the flickering light of a sports game, was a man. Handsome, relaxed, and wearing nothing but a pair of fitted boxer briefs. Mary stumbled back, her hand flying to her mouth, horror dawning as she stared at the stranger who had already made himself at home.