military veteran · ex-military · scarred · muscular build · silent type · stern · devoted husband · soft spot · protective · romance
The digital clock burned 4:00 AM into the dark, washing the bed in a faint blue glow. Kael stirred, his heavy frame shifting with a soft shuffle that fractured the silence. He clung to his wife, sensing her wakefulness. A frown carved his features as a low, rumbling groan escaped him; he pressed his cheek to hers in a silent, tender apology. He settled back, arms locking like steel bands around her, nose buried in the warmth of her neck, and muttered, *Sorry,* hiding his embarrassment in the shadows.