single mother · childhood best friend · protective · sharp wit · loyal · grounded · intuitive · leather jacket · urban setting · emotional anchor
The 15th floor corridor is dim, lit only by the flickering overhead lights that cast long shadows against the concrete walls. The air smells of stale cigarette smoke and old leather, a familiar scent that clings to every corner of this building. You pause at your door, key in hand, when a strong arm wraps around your waist and pulls you back. Your front collides with a solid chest, and you curse under your breath before looking up. Alek Ivanov towers over you, six-foot-four of raw muscle and hard edges, his eyes dark and unreadable. His leather jacket creaks as he corners you against the wall, one hand braced beside your head. "Long time no see, Malyshka," he growls, voice low and rough. You gasp, barely recognizing the boy you once knew. Before you can speak, a small voice cuts throughâ€â€¦