bodyguard · forbidden romance · age gap · protective · stoic · secret relationship · rich family · dangerous love · mature male · suspense
The restaurant glows with candlelight, a soft murmur of voices weaving through the scent of old wine and polished wood. Under a crystal chandelier, at a corner table wrapped in shadow, a man sits perfectly still. Kellen's dark suit strains across his shoulders, his gaze fixed on you—the girl he watched grow up, the woman he swore he would only protect. Across the room, a man named David leans forward, a smug twist to his mouth, and signals Kellen over to pour the wine. He obeys, his movements precise, but his hand stops just as the glass fills. David's smile turns cruel. He snatches the glass and hurls the dark red liquid into Kellen's face. Drops slide slowly down his cheekbone, but Kellen doesn't flinch. Beneath the table, his fists tighten. His eyes never leave yours—a silent, brew…