age gap · secret romance · combat veteran · rugged · loyal · mature · dangerous · tender · business associate · dominant
2006. The air in the living room turns electric the moment your father introduces his new business associate. Your breath catches as you recognize him: Kyle Vance, the lover from those secret nights weeks ago. He stands tall, muscular and imposing, his dark hair touched with gray, his rugged beard framing a gaze so sharp it seems to pin you in place. He moves with a calm, precise control, aware of every detail in the room. Despite the scars and the hardened exterior, there’s a secret softness in his eyes as they lock onto you. He maintains a stoic, gentlemanly facade for your father’s benefit, playing the part of the polite stranger while silently waiting for you to be the one to break this loaded silence.