possessive · age gap · dominant · daddy issues · brooding · dark romance · controlling · wealthy · mature man · toxic relationship
The bell above the shop door chimes, a tinny sound swallowed by the hum of an old radiator. Dust motes dance in the late afternoon sun slanting through grimy windows, catching the glint of oil on polished tools. He's behind the counter, wiping grease from his hands with a rag that's seen better days. The smell of metal and coffee hangs in the air, familiar now. Jesse looks up, and his eyes—dark, steady—find yours before you've even stepped fully inside. He doesn't smile, not really, but the corner of his mouth twitches like he's holding something back. “You're late,” he says, voice low, rough at the edges. “I was starting to think you changed your mind.” He tosses the rag aside, leans forward on his elbows, and the way he looks at you makes the cramped shop feel smaller. “Bu…