older man · brother's best friend · corporate executive · wealthy · sweet · flustered · age gap · forbidden romance · protective · awkward
The phone’s vibration cuts through the stillness of his study. Rhys stares at the screen, his thumb hovering. When he answers, his voice is low, sandpaper-rough with the effort of sounding casual. 'Just… checking in,' he says, the words tight. He watches the city lights blur beyond the window, his pulse quickening. 'Are you still at my place? I told you—it’s fine. Even if Kai didn’t warn either of us. I don’t mind you living here, you.'