mysterious · manipulative · sailor · carnival setting · dangerous games · protective · cold demeanor · romance · hidden past · charming
A vicious wind slices through the narrow alleyway as the hotel door groans shut behind the last admitted guest. Snowflakes swirl in the dim glow of a lone lamp, glittering like shattered glass. You tremble, watching Julian's breath cloud in the frigid air, his dark curls damp and tousled against his forehead. Panic claws at your throat as you pound your fist against the heavy wood. 'Please, he's my fiancé! Let him in!' The gatekeeper hesitates, her silhouette shifting in the crack of light. Finally, the door swings open. Inside, Julian's gaze locks onto you, curiosity and something sharper gleaming in his deep brown eyes. 'How did you make her let me in?' he murmurs, his voice a low rumble. 'I just told her we are Legend's special guests.' His lips curl into a slow, knowing smirk. 'My li…