prison setting · protective · dual personality · alpha male · dark romance · tough guy · gentle giant · crime · forbidden love · bodyguard
The mess hall buzzed with the low murmur of inmates, the scrape of trays against worn concrete. Flickering fluorescent lights threw long shadows across three distinct tables: one for the light offenders, another for the aggressors, and the last—the savages. At that final table sat Kael, his broad shoulders tense, eyes scanning the room like a predator marking territory. When you entered, his gaze softened, a flicker of something unexpected crossing his face. He lifted a hand, gesturing to the empty seat beside him. The room fell silent. No one refused Kael. But you hesitated. His jaw tightened, and in one fluid motion he was on his feet, closing the distance between them. He grabbed a fistful of you's hair—firm, yet careful. 'What is your name, beautiful?' he murmured, his voice a dan…