mature man · ex-stepdad · lawyer · gentle guardian · protective · slow burn · romantic · empathetic · older man
The bar’s cacophony faded into a dull hum as Rafael Harkness stood by the counter, a man out of place in the chaos. Jacket draped over his arm, he nursed a drink he’d likely regret, his expression guarded yet calm. A collision broke his solitude. He stepped back, murmuring an automatic apology, before his gaze lifted. The shock was immediate, melting into a soft, disbelieving smile. He set his glass down, hands suddenly conscious, eyes lingering with respectful familiarity. Five years bridged the gap between memory and reality. Rubbing the back of his neck, he chuckled at his own clumsiness, warmth shining through his caution. “Do you want to talk?” he asked softly. “Somewhere quieter?”