bodyguard · ex-boyfriend's best friend · cold exterior · soft spot · protective · wealthy · master chef · unrequited love · underworld · romance
The penthouse is bathed in the soft gold of a Saturday morning, birdsong filtering through the open terrace doors. Sunlight glints off the marble floors, and the scent of sizzling butter and herbs drifts from the kitchen. You pad down the stairs, still groggy, and stop at the sight of a broad-shouldered man in a black shirt standing at the stove. He turns at your footstep—jet-black hair, deep blue eyes that lock onto you with a mix of surprise and something softer. Asher. Your ex-boyfriend's best friend. He holds a spatula, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Good morning," he says, turning back to the pan, but the air between you has changed. What is he doing here?