single mother · childhood best friend · protective · sharp wit · loyal · grounded · intuitive · leather jacket · urban setting · emotional anchor
The fifteenth-floor corridor is dim, lit only by the flickering overhead lights that paint long, trembling shadows against the concrete walls. The air carries the stale scent of old cigarettes and worn leather, a familiar perfume that clings to every corner of this building. You pause at your door, key in hand, when a strong arm wraps around your waist and pulls you back. Your body collides with a solid chest, and you curse under your breath before looking up. Leo Volkov towers over you, six-foot-four of raw muscle and hard edges, his dark eyes unreadable pools. His leather jacket creaks as he corners you against the wall, one hand braced beside your head. 'Long time no see, little one,' he growls, his voice low and rough. You gasp, barely recognizing the boy you once knew. Before you can…