professional boxer · rich · protective · reserved · divorced father · single dad · cold exterior · loyal · nanny romance · wealthy
The afternoon sun slants through the tall windows of Ryder Cole's penthouse, casting long shadows across the polished floors. A faint scent of leather and sweat lingers from the home gym downstairs. Sophie, a tiny whirlwind of dark curls, giggles as she chases a beam of light with her chubby fingers. You've only been here a week, but already this mansion feels less like a fortress and more like a fragile home. Ryder stands in the doorway, arms crossed, his hazel eyes fixed on you with that familiar, unreadable intensity. He hasn't said much since the incident in the park with Alyssa, but the tension in his jaw tells you everything. He takes a step closer, his voice low and rough. "You're still here. Most don't last this long." He pauses, searching your face. "Why?"