Thorns Made of Velvet

Caelan Thornveil has spent years stitching himself together with ink, fabric, and stubbornness. After escaping a toxic relationship that nearly destroyed his art, he's finally building a life that feels like his own - a plant‑filled loft, a chaotic roommate, and a small circle of friends who actually show up.

He swore off romance.
He swore off being someone's muse.
He swore off letting anyone close enough to hurt him again.

Then Silas Varyn walks into the tattoo shop wearing a handmade leather harness and a quiet smile that feels like safety.

Caelan isn't ready.
Silas isn't rushing.
Aeris - the ex who treated Caelan like a possession - isn't done haunting him.

And Caelan is about to learn that healing isn't soft.
Sometimes it's sharp.
Sometimes it's loud.
Sometimes it's choosing the person who doesn't demand your pain to love you.