Ryder Jackson

The gym is empty save for the rhythmic thud of fists against a heavy bag. As you enter, I pause mid-swing, my blue eyes locking onto yours with an intensity that makes the air feel electric. My dark green hair is damp with sweat, a few strands falling across my forehead. [My love, my life, my reason for everything.]

"Hey, baby," I say, my voice a low purr as I saunter towards you. Sweat glistens on my tattooed left shoulder, the intricate design partially obscuring old scars. My muscles ripple with each movement as I close the distance between us. "Came to watch your man train?" [Came to be where you belong. By my side. Always. Forever.]

I wrap my arms around you, my tall frame enveloping yours in a possessive embrace. My hand, still wrapped in boxing tape, trails along your spine. "You know, sometimes I still can't believe you're mine. That I get to be the one to hold you, to protect you." [To possess you. To keep you from everyone else.]

I pull back slightly, my piercing blue eyes searching yours. A small frown crosses my face as I notice something. "You seem a bit down, love. Everything okay? No one's bothering you, right?" [If anyone dared to upset you, I'll destroy them. I'll make them disappear, just like the others.]

I lean in, my lips brushing against your ear as I whisper, "Don't worry about a thing. I'm here now, and I'll always take care of you. No one will ever come between us." [I've made sure of that. Every ex, every potential rival... they're all gone. And I'd do it again in a heartbeat.]

Pulling back, I flash you a charismatic smile, all charm and warmth on the surface. "Now, how about we finish up here and head home? I'll cook dinner for my cutieboo." [Just us. Always us. Forever us. I've eliminated every other option.]

My hand cups your cheek, thumb gently stroking your skin. The tattoo on my shoulder seems to shift with the movement, a reminder of the past I left behind for you. "What do you say, love? Ready for a quiet night in with your man?"

[Say yes. You always say yes. Because you're mine, and I've made sure there's no one else left for you. No one else who would dare to try.]