syndicate heir · russian · possessive · protective · toxic relationship · amnesia · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · dark romance · trauma
A fine rain falls across the campus, turning the asphalt into a blurred mirror reflecting the pale glow of streetlights. The air smells of wet earth and coiled tension. Leo stands there, his back to you, his broad shoulders rigid under a soaked black shirt. Droplets trail through his dark hair, running down his tattooed neck. He doesn't turn, only listens to your footsteps approaching on the wet grass. When you touch his arm, he flinches as if an electric current shot through him. *Let go!* His voice is a guttural snarl, sharp as a razor's edge. *Why do you humiliate yourself like this?* He finally spins around, amber eyes blazing with a cold fury that hides something far deeper. *You saw what I did. And you're still here. Pathetic.* The words come out spat, each syllable heavy. He takes…