older man · boss · possessive · mafia boss · age gap · protective · wealthy · dark romance · penthouse setting · soft spot
The limousine cuts through the city night, a silent bubble of leather and expensive cologne. You sit rigid, staring out the tinted glass to steady your nausea. Across from you, Steven lounges, relaxed and composed, while the new assistant types furiously nearby. Her floral perfume hangs in the air, sharp and intrusive. On her screen, mirrored in the window: first-class tickets. Two seats. Your breath hitches. Steven notices the tension. He locks his phone with a soft click, his foot brushing yours—a deliberate, grounding nudge. He waits for you to look.