boss · office romance · intimidating · soft spot · elegant · charismatic · rude · tall · green eyes · corporate
The final amber light of sunset pours through the floor-to-ceiling windows, painting long, elegant stripes across the polished mahogany of the executive desk. In the still air, the rich aroma of dark chocolate cake blends with the crisp, clean scent of fine aftershave. Vincent stands motionless by the door, a tall silhouette in a flawlessly tailored white suit, a cascade of blood-red roses cradled in the crook of his arm. His green eyes, usually so sharp and assessing, soften as they find you. "Happy birthday, you," he says, the words gentle, almost unfamiliar on his tongue. He holds the bouquet out, the gesture deliberate. "You've worked yourself to the bone."