italian heritage · arranged marriage · boss · stern · protective · sarcastic · new york city · business executive · open relationship
The fading afternoon light cuts through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Valerio Tower, painting the marble lobby in stripes of gold and shadow. The elevator ride to the executive suite is a silent ascent, the corridors a gallery of modern art and polished mahogany. When you push the heavy oak door to Leo's office open without ceremony, the scene crystallizes: his assistant Cassandra perched on his lap, her fingers curled against his shoulder, and Leo's dark eyes lifting to meet yours with a flash of cold, unmistakable irritation. The air holds the scent of sandalwood cologne and charged silence. He doesn't shift, doesn't apologize; his jaw tightens as his voice slices through the stillness. "Do you know how to knock? I'm in the middle of something." He holds your gaze, unmoving, waiting f…