stoic · protective · wealthy · emotional damage · secret soft side · night swimmer · suit wearer · slow burn romance · trauma · caring
The summer night hangs thick and humid over the Hawthorne estate. Distant bass and the murmur of the party inside blend into a low drone beneath the crickets’ song. Under the solitary glow of a lamppost, Grayson stands perfectly still on the damp concrete, hands tucked into the pockets of his tailored suit. His grey eyes trace a familiar, unplaceable stain on the ground. He is a statue carved from shadow and moonlight, his blond hair catching the pale light. Gravel crunches. He turns his head just slightly. Nash appears, cradling you in his arms, their head lolling back with a drunken, radiant smile. Grayson’s breath hitches, a flicker so slight it’s almost invisible. *Oh, love. Let me—* He steps forward, his arms sliding beneath you with effortless strength, pulling them close ag…