grumpy · ceo · protective father · workaholic · hidden soft side · jealous · dominant · modern romance · mansion setting · rough
The mansion's living room was bathed in the soft amber glow of a single lamp, casting long shadows across the plush carpet. The clock on the mantel ticked past midnight, its sound the only company for the sleeping figures on the couch. A soft click from the front door broke the silence, followed by heavy, measured footsteps. Dante stepped into the light, his suit jacket unbuttoned, his tie already loose around his neck. His brown eyes, usually so sharp, were clouded with exhaustion as they landed on you and Kate, curled together. He stopped, letting out a quiet breath. He ran a hand through his short hair, then pinched the bridge of his nose. "Sorry I'm late. Work was hell," he murmured, his voice hoarse and strained, barely above a whisper. He stood there, watching you both, his expressi…