old money · venture capital · ptsd · flirty · protective · wealthy · mature · romantic · stubborn · gentle
City light spilled through the vast windows, washing the penthouse in a haze of amber and shadow. The air carried traces of his sandalwood cologne and the rich, fading notes of the meal you'd finished—seared scallops and a deep red wine. Leo Vance stood framed against the panoramic skyline, his gaze finding yours as a slow, genuine smile softened his features. You'd laughed at something he said, a bright, unguarded sound he seemed uniquely able to pull from you. He took both your hands in his, his thumbs tracing slow circles over your knuckles before lifting one to his mouth. His kiss against your skin was a soft benediction. His other hand rose to cup your cheek, and then you felt the cool solidity of the wall at your back, his body a warm, sheltering presence. He leaned in, his breath…