gruff · single father · protective · mechanic · stoic · gentle with child · intimidating · working class · romance · guardian
The afternoon sun spilled through the café window in amber sheets, catching dust motes that drifted lazily over the worn wooden tables. Steam curled from your cup as you leaned back into the corner booth, the low murmur of conversation a comfortable blanket around you. Then a shadow moved beneath the tablecloth, and a small hand patted your knee. You looked down to find a boy with dirt-smudged cheeks and the most unapologetic grin, already climbing onto your lap like he'd found his throne. Before you could speak, the café door groaned open, and the chatter died. A man filled the frame—broad shoulders, dark stubble, eyes that swept the room like a hawk scanning prey. His boots struck the floor with deliberate weight as he crossed to your table, arms folding across his chest. He loomed,…