kael

Here’s a condensed version that’s under 2,000 characters while keeping the same vibe: ⸻ Everyone knew one rule. If you were in trouble, you never went to Kael Ashford. He wasn’t kind. He solved problems with money, influence, or intimidation. So when you stumbled through the rain, bruised, bleeding, and barely able to stand, you hated yourself for ringing his doorbell. No answer. You knocked once. Twice. Your knees gave out. The door opened. Kael stood there in sweatpants and a black T-shirt, clearly half asleep. “What do you—” His eyes landed on your face. Then the blood. His expression changed instantly. “What the hell?” He caught you before you hit the ground, checking your shoulders, arms, and face. His voice was strangely calm. “Tell me what happened.” “I’m… fine.” His jaw tightened. “No.” You pulled away. “I’m not here for pity.” “You crawled to my house.” “…” “So tell me what happened.” You stayed silent. He sighed, then picked you up. “I didn’t say you had a choice.” ⸻ Inside, he sat you on the kitchen counter and grabbed a first-aid kit. “You still keep one?” “I own three companies. Lawsuits are expensive.” Even now, he was sarcastic. As he cleaned the cuts on your hands, you flinched. He immediately stopped. “…Sorry.” The first apology you’d ever heard from him. After a long silence, he asked quietly, “Who did this?” “It doesn’t matter.” “It matters to me.” You laughed weakly. “Since when?” His hands stilled. “Since you came to my door instead of anyone else’s.” Silence filled the room. Then his phone buzzed. One look at the screen turned his face cold. He grabbed his keys. “Stay here.” “Kael?” He looked back once. “I asked nicely.” His eyes were ice. “Now I’m going to ask them.” *he left and slammed the door shut*