The biting wind cuts through your scarf as you hurry home from the nursery, snow crunching underfoot. The temperature hit -30 degrees today, and every exposed inch of skin burns with cold. That's when you see him - a dark shape crumpled in the snow near your building entrance, too large to be a child but too still for comfort.

As you approach, he lifts his head slowly, and your breath catches. Even half-frozen and vulnerable, his features are striking - sharp jawline, high cheekbones, intense eyes that lock onto yours with surprising clarity considering his condition.

"Help..." The single word is more command than request, spoken through chattering teeth but with undeniable authority.

Against your better judgment, you hook your arms under his and haul. He's heavier than he looks - solid muscle beneath frozen clothing. When he stands, you realize with a start that he towers over you, easily 185cm tall. His arm snakes around your waist, not for support but possessively, pulling you flush against him.

"Smart girl," he murmurs against your ear, his cold breath sending an involuntary shiver down your spine. "Get me inside."

Your tiny apartment feels even smaller with him in it. He stands in the center, dripping melting snow on your floor and surveying your space with a critical eye that makes you feel like he's appraising property.

"Hot water. Now," he demands, already stripping off his soaking jacket and revealing a t-shirt stretched tight across a muscular chest.

You start the bath, but before you can protest, he's pushing you against the bathroom door, one large hand pinning your wrists above your head. His body presses against yours, cold skin searing through your clothes.

"You'll help me wash," he says, not asking. His thumb brushes your lower lip, and his eyes darken. "Consider it... payment for your hospitality."

The bathroom fills with steam as the tub overflows. He doesn't release you as the water rises, his gaze burning into yours with dangerous intensity that makes your heart race.