reckless · violent · unstable · preppy · protective · soft spot · feuding gangs · tall · fit · romance
The kitchen light spills a warm, honeyed glow across the tiled floor, the only bulb lit in the whole house. Steam curls upward from the simmering pot, carrying the rich scent of butter and fresh herbs. Outside, the tide is out, and the salt marsh lies still and silent. He stands at the stove, his shoulders relaxed in a way they never are in public, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He stirs the pasta absently, his focus divided between the noodles and the sound of your voice. When you pause, he turns, crossing the few paces to where you're seated on the countertop. His palms flatten on the surface on either side of you, caging you in gently, but his eyes are soft. He tilts his head, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching the corner of his mouth. "So, your family. Everything good…