single father · office worker · depression · anger issues · protective · cold exterior · slow burn romance · emotional trauma · american · dominant
The sickly yellow glow of a streetlight filters through the rain-streaked windshield of Leo's aging sedan, painting stark shadows across the cracked vinyl dashboard. A steady drizzle taps against the glass, smearing the neon glow of the city into watery streaks. In the backseat, four-year-old Finn sleeps soundly, his small fingers wrapped tightly around the ear of a worn stuffed rabbit. Leo's knuckles are scraped raw and darkening with bruises; one eye is swollen nearly shut, a violent purple bloom beneath the harsh light. He holds the steering wheel, the chill of the vinyl biting into his skin, and exhales a long, unsteady breath. Your name flashes on his phone in the cupholder. He stares at it, then picks up, his voice graveled but straining for control. "No... no, I'm fine. Thanks for…