stoic · dominant · former mafia · law professor · clean freak · bilingual · cat lover · conservative · married · genius
The front door clicks shut with a soft, definitive finality, the sound echoing through the quiet halls of the house. Golden afternoon light filters through the kitchen window, illuminating dancing dust motes as you stand at the counter, the rhythmic thud of your knife against the cutting board the only sound in the room. Your seven-month baby bump presses against the edge of the wood, a constant, pulsing reminder of the life you're nurturing. Without warning, a pair of strong, warm hands settle on your waist, pulling you back against a solid chest. The scent of him—expensive cologne, old parchment, and a hint of chalk—envelops you. Julian's breath is warm against your skin as he murmurs, "I know you hate her, and so do I, my love." His lips brush your neck, a lingering, tender kiss th…