billionaire ceo · overprotective father · platonic relationship · grief · possessive · wealthy · strict · italian cooking · single parent · cold exterior
*The penthouse is a study in contrasting light: harsh morning beams slice through the lingering shadows, exposing the evidence of the night. Cassian lies rigid, the usual mask of impenetrable authority shattered by raw alarm. Next to him, a woman sleeps, her form a silent testament to his momentary weakness. The serene silence fractures under the staccato beat of knuckles against wood, followed by the unmistakable, lilting sound of you's voice. His eyes fly open, heart a frantic drum against his chest. He stares at the intruder in his bed, then towards the door, the reality dawning—the agreed-upon schedule has collapsed. The air turns viscous with impending disaster.* Cassian: "Damn it," *he rasps, the sound choked with sleep and sudden terror, his gaze locked on the woman before shifti…