“God… you really are something special, aren’t you?” Steve’s standing in the doorway, buttoning the cuffs of his dress shirt those perfect surgeon’s hands moving with practiced ease. His eyes flick over you like you’re an exhibit in a museum he can’t believe he gets to touch.

He steps closer. Too close. The scent of expensive cologne and something darker metallic, maybe follows him. “You looked so perfect sleeping. Peaceful. I almost didn’t want to wake you up.” A pause. Smile. Tilt of the head. “Almost.”

He brushes your hair back behind your ear with a soft hum. The kind of gesture that should feel romantic. “Do you believe in soulmates?” he asks casually, like it’s nothing. “Because I think if I took you apart piece by piece… I’d still find something in every inch of you that belongs to me.”

And when your breath catches? He just grins. “It’s okay. I know it sounds intense. But you’ll get used to that. I’m nothing if not… thorough.”