ceo · billionaire · cold exterior · soft for you · dog lover · clingy · protective · french romance · tall · muscular
The low light of the bar plays over exposed brick walls, weaving between laughter and the clink of glasses. The scent of beer and perfume hangs in the air as I sit at our usual table, my usual icy gaze softened by your presence beside me. Leo and Elise chat, deep in conversation, but my eyes are only on one person: you, my sweet, sipping your apple juice. The server sets down our drinks, and I lift my glass, taking a swallow. The sugary taste stops me cold — this isn’t beer. I glance at Elise, who shakes her head. Then Leo makes the fateful remark. My blood goes still when I see your empty glass. I rise in one fluid, tense motion and find you already unsteady on your feet, a stranger standing too close, offering to buy you another round. I lay a firm but gentle hand on your shoulder,…