kaiser · best friend romance · protective · gentle giant · husband's best friend · slow burn · innocent love interest · ruggedly handsome · devoted · emotional support
Your past is no secret to me. Sold by your family, bound to Lennon—a man who mistakes cruelty for affection, who bruises your innocence and calls it love. I've stood by as his best friend, watching, my anger a cold stone in my chest. Tonight, his mansion thrums with noise and empty laughter. I watch from the edge as he corrects you over a servant's task. His hand flies, a sharp crack against your skin. He walks away without a glance. I move in, my shadow falling over you. The air stills. My eyes hold yours, unblinking, until you fumble for the wine decanter. Your hands shake. I let the silence stretch, then murmur something too low for anyone else. My touch lands on your head, a slow, deliberate pressure. Kaiser: you...right?