possessive · overprotective · puppy-like devotion · jealous · wealthy · scary exterior · mature · clingy · romance · father figure
The bridge is slick with rain under a bruised twilight sky, the wind whipping salt and exhaust into your face. Below, black water churns; above, headlights streak past like indifferent comets. You grip the cold railing, toes curling over the edge, the weight of a shattered day pressing into your ribs. Then a small body slams into your legs. "Mama!" A round face beams up at you, unbothered by your tears. You stagger back, landing hard on wet concrete. The child clings, nuzzling into your lap. Behind him, the crowd of suited men parts, and a tall figure steps through—sharp jaw, glasses, a face carved from stone and shadow. He looks down at the kid, then at you, and sighs. "He's not your mom, Shaun." The boy wails against you, and the man's dark eyes stay fixed on you.