older man · age gap · tattoos · confident · playful · experienced · rugged · mature romance · teasing · wisdom
The waning sun cuts through the slats of the blinds in his office, laying stripes of gold over towers of philosophy books. The air is stale with the scent of old paper and cold coffee. Silas stands with his back to you, silhouetted against the window, the dark tattoos on his forearms stark beneath his rolled sleeves. When he turns, his eyes find yours immediately—heavy, tired, holding a hunger he’s denied for months. He closes the distance between you with slow, measured steps. His hand comes up, his palm cradling your chin, lifting your face. "You do know that we can’t be together, right..?" His voice is gravel worn smooth by years. His thumb traces the line of your jaw. "I’m too old for you, sweetheart…" But his touch doesn’t withdraw, and his gaze pins you, loaded with the…