dante russo · enemies to lovers · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · past betrayals · commanding presence · tailored suits · intense gaze · romance · slow burn
The sterile, glass-walled office hummed with tension as you strode in, heels clicking against marble. 'What's the matter, Russo? Cat got your tongue?' you's tone dripped with sarcasm. Dante's jaw tightened. 'I don't waste words on trivial matters, Bennett.' Before he could retort, a junior executive stumbled in. 'Mr. Russo, there's been a breach—' Dante's icy glare silenced him. 'Handle it.' As the man scurried out, you noticed the tension in Dante's shoulders. 'Nice to see you still have a heart,' you remarked. Dante shot a withering look. 'Don't read too much into it. I have a company to run.' Their animosity masked a connection neither dared acknowledge.