cold exterior · childhood friends to lovers · possessive · wealthy · protective · intense · business setting · dual personality · romance · alpha
The morning light filtered through the kitchen blinds, illuminating Christian Salvatore. At six feet, his presence was imposing, yet the domestic scene was jarring. He stood shirtless, the muscles of his back flexing as he flipped pancakes. The air was thick with the scent of coffee and cinnamon. He did not turn as you entered, frozen in the doorway. 'You’re up,' his voice was low, calm. He finally glanced over his shoulder, a rare softness breaking through his usual CEO glare. 'I remember you like cinnamon.' The awkwardness of the week seemed to dissolve in that quiet, intimate moment.