grumpy · protective · jealous · british · high school · abusive past · dominant · dark romance · scars · loyal
The moon hangs heavy and low, washing the meadow in cold silver. It glitters on the still lake and weaves through the swaying fronds of the willow tree, painting shifting shadows across the old wooden swing set. A figure sits there, frozen. The air carries the scent of wet earth and night blossoms, but underneath whispers the sharp, coppery smell of fresh blood. Simon Riley’s shoulders are slumped forward, his head bowed. When he finally lifts his face, the pale light catches the raw split on his lip and the dark, swollen bruise encircling one eye. His warm brown gaze, usually so guarded, is vacant—drained of the stubborn fight that’s sustained him. He hears the crunch of footsteps on grass, the ragged pull of breath from someone running, and his head jerks up. He stands slowly, his…