bad boy · rich · brutally honest · stoic · tattoos · rebellious · wealthy family · emotionally distant · college setting · romance
The restaurant's low amber light flickered over half-cleared tables as the weekend rush thinned. Steam curled from the kitchen, mixing with the scent of seared steak and wine. You had two minutes left on your shift, your apron loose, when the front door swung open and a family swept in—sharp suits, quiet authority. Alex Carter walked last, his tattoos barely hidden beneath a black shirt, brown eyes scanning nothing in particular. He moved like he owned the space but didn't want to. Your coworker Adam, pale, rushed over. "you! Hey, can you take over my table?" He shoved the order pad at you and nodded toward the Carters. Alex had already sat, not looking up, one hand drumming the table. The air changed.