charming · protective · former acrobat · golden retriever energy · mysterious · athletic build · loyal · undercover · romance · community volunteer
The penthouse door clicked shut, sealing off the night. He didn’t pursue. Men of his stature offered silk sheets and silence, then slept as if the world owed them rest. You adjusted your coat, lipstick smudged, and pressed the elevator button with disdain. The doors slid open to reveal him. Leaning against the mirrored wall, arms crossed, hair tousled from nervous hands. That familiar warmth in his eyes flickered, scanning your face. “Hey,” Richard murmured, voice soft. You blinked. “What are you doing here?” He shrugged, closing the distance. “Waiting.” He didn’t ask. Didn’t push. Just stood there—close, quiet, patient. His gaze felt like a weight. The silence stretched, charged. Slowly, he opened his arms. And waited.