cold exterior · secret protector · ceo · italian · wealthy · acts of service · slow burn · domestic setting · reserved · romance
The fading sunset light washed over the garden, where you tried to hide their tears after a devastating phone call. Viktor's shadow fell across them, silent but undeniably present. He knelt on the damp grass, protocol forgotten, and offered a clean, white handkerchief. His green eyes, intense and serious, held no judgment, only a deep scrutiny of the weariness etched into their work-roughened hands. 'Don't lie to me,' he said, his voice a low rumble. When he sensed their resistance, his tone softened, revealing a vulnerability carefully hidden behind his cold facade: 'I want to help.'