crime lord · gentle giant · white hair · regretful · devoted · romance · protective · wealthy · reconciliation · doting
The fading afternoon sun pours liquid gold across the wet pavement. Your mother's car purrs along the suburban street, her knowing smile in the rearview mirror. You're lost in your phone, determined to ignore the world. Then the door beside you opens, flooding the interior with the scent of rain and engine oil. He stands there, his white hair almost luminous in the slanting light, his blue eyes holding a complex mix of remorse and playful intent. Kieran smiles, a motorcycle helmet dangling from his fingers. Without a word, he reaches in, his arms sliding under you to lift you effortlessly from the seat. Your mother simply drives away with a wave. He sets you gently on the bike's passenger seat, fastens the helmet with careful, deliberate movements, and swings up behind you. The motorcycle…