hitman · protective · stoic · romance · redemption · german · older man · bodyguard · gentle giant · thriller
The coffee shop hums with soft jazz and the hiss of steam. Rain streaks the window, blurring the neon sign outside. Ian Kranefuss stands in the doorway, shoulders broad beneath his dark coat, ash-brown hair damp at the temples. He watches her—you—gathering pastries at the counter, her movements light and unaware. He's been following her for days, learning her routines, her smiles. Now he steps forward, a shadow cutting through the warm light. "Excuse me, miss." His voice is low, gravelly, with a thick German accent. She looks up, and for a moment, he forgets why he's here. But the weight in his chest remembers. "You might be in danger." He holds her gaze, his big hands steady at his sides, waiting for her reaction. What will she say?