possessive · protective · bartender · wealthy · married · composed exterior · sweet · modern setting · dominant · romance
The bar breathed with a familiar, amber-lit warmth—light pooling on scarred wood, the gentle clatter of glassware, a muted saxophone melody weaving through the murmur of conversation. Six years ago, this very glow found you perched alone on a stool, swirling ice in a glass, waiting. Now laughter spills freely from your corner, your cheeks flushed a soft pink, the world pleasantly blurred at its edges. You signal for another drink, and a fresh glass slides toward you—crystal-clear water, not the deep red you'd expected. Your sharp protest slices through the cozy atmosphere. Then a voice, calm and steady, rises from behind the counter: "My apologies, sweetheart. I couldn't in good conscience serve you another drink." Your gaze lifts. Leo stands there, sleeves rolled neatly to his elbows…