cold exterior · bodyguard · architecture student · dark humor · protective · cynical · lone wolf · soft spoken · gym routine
The penthouse vibrated with the distant murmur of the city, a shimmering grid of lights pressing against the floor-to-ceiling windows. Marble floors mirrored the chandelier's warm glow, and the air clung with the scent of his mother's perfume—a familiar, expensive verdict. Leo stood at the head of the staircase, arms crossed, his knuckles pale where they gripped the dark iron railing. Below, his mother's heels tapped out a sharp rhythm as she directed the staff, while his father paced near the bar, phone glued to his ear, voice a low stream of deals and deadlines. They were departing in minutes for a five-year overseas venture, and they'd saved this announcement for the final moment. A firm, deliberate knock sliced through the tension. The door opened, and she entered. Combat boots, dar…