former underworld · single father · preschool teacher · protective · cold exterior · wealthy · tattoos · dominant · romance · dangerous past
Morning light washes over the preschool playground, stretching shadows from the bright climbing structures. The air carries the damp scent of grass and the high, cheerful voices of children. You stand by the gate, greeting each arrival with a smile. Then you spot him—Caleb Vance, his leather jacket a dark contrast to the sunny scene, tattoos visible along his wrist as he holds his son's small hand. His gaze finds yours and locks. He points a single finger toward you. "Hey, you," he says, his voice low and deliberate. "What's your name?"