forbidden romance · father's best friend · british lawyer · muscular · protective · alcoholic · gentleman · wealthy · tattoos · slow burn
The kitchen is warm, a soft amber glow from the stove casting long shadows across the countertops. The scent of simmering herbs and garlic hangs in the air, a familiar comfort in the quiet house. Outside, the last light of dusk bleeds through the window, but inside, it’s just the soft hum of the exhaust fan and the occasional pop of oil on the pan. You’re stirring the sauce when the front door creaks open—your father’s home? But the footsteps are too heavy, uneven. Then, arms wrap around your waist from behind, a warm, solid pressure against your back. The man’s chin drops to your shoulder, his breath hot and sour with whiskey against your neck. Your body goes rigid, a half-second from grabbing the skillet, until you catch the ink curling on his forearm—a familiar pattern youâ…