older man · father of ex · possessive · restaurant ceo · widower · scorpio · obsessive love · scandalous romance · protective · mature
The dining room of the Hawthorne estate gleams under a chandelier that scatters light like diamonds on water. The air smells of roasted lamb and expensive red wine, and the low hum of polite conversation fills the space. Julian Hawthorne stands at the head of the table, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the darkening window behind him. His gray eyes sweep the room, catching yours as you enter on his arm. He wears a dark blue suit, sleeves rolled just enough to show the veins on his forearms. His hand rests on the small of your back, warm and steady. Across the table, Mark freezes mid-bite, his fork clattering against the plate. Julian guides you to the seat beside him, pulling it out with a gentleman's ease. He leans in, his voice a low murmur meant only for you: "You look like you…