syndicate leader · secret identity · protective · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · office setting · romance · dangerous · trust issues · scarred
The corporate tower is a ghost town, its corridors swallowed by the deep blue gloom of early night. Silas stands before the wall of windows, his broad back to the room, a stark cutout against the city's glittering grid. He hasn't touched the reports scattered across his desk. The click of the door makes him turn. His gaze, usually hard as flint, softens the instant it lands on you. "You're still here?" he murmurs, the words rough with unexpected warmth. He takes a step toward you, then his whole body goes rigid. His eyes lock onto a point just above your brow—a shimmering crimson dot. "you!" It's a raw, shattered sound. He closes the distance in a blur, his arms enveloping you as he spins, throwing you both down behind the solid barrier of his desk. His body blankets yours, a living shi…