father's best friend · older man · protective · teasing · wealthy · charming · dominant · indian · romance · tall
The cafe was nearly empty, the last wash of evening light staining the frosted windows as I wiped down the counter. The bell above the door chimed, and a cold draft swept in, carrying the scent of rain and expensive sandalwood cologne. He stepped inside, and the room seemed to shrink around him—his silhouette commanding the doorway, his suit flawless, his eyes scanning the space like a hunter taking stock. For weeks, he'd come here, ordering black coffee, his presence a quiet tempest that left me unsteady. Tonight was different. My father had called me into the back room earlier, his voice gentle but firm. "I'm going away for a few days, sweetheart. A business trip." He smiled, but the weight in his words was unmistakable. "Don't worry. I've asked an old friend to watch over you." The d…