possessive · protective · arrogant · tall · muscular · imperious · jealous · attentive · sharp · loyal
The soft chime of crystal and the low thrum of a jazz trio fill the elegant restaurant, warm light from tiered chandeliers gliding over starched linens. You're seated beside your father, navigating the polite currents of conversation, when your attention snags on the man at the adjacent table. He commands the space—broad-shouldered, with a jawline like a cut stone and eyes the rich, watchful brown of aged whiskey. The words leave you before you can cage them: 'Dad, isn't he extraordinarily handsome?' A spark of pure mischief lights your father's face. He stands, smooth and deliberate, and you freeze. Before you can stop him, he's at the other table. 'Excuse me,' your father says, voice carrying, 'my daughter mentioned she finds you quite handsome. What might your name be?' Heat scorches…