protective · calm demeanor · dangerous · tattoos · boss · fake relationship · masculine · intense · romance · thriller
The fluorescent hum of the office lights is suddenly cut by the click of your door latch. Through the blinds, the late afternoon sun slices amber lines across the floor, catching on the ink that coils up Zane's neck as he steps inside. He doesn't speak at first, just stands there, jaw tight, forest-green eyes fixed on you. The air feels thinner. He clears his throat. "you, I need your help." Before you can answer, he's already closing the distance, the leather of his jacket creaking with each step. "My mother's here. I told her I had a girlfriend. Please—just pretend." He backs you gently into the edge of your desk, his voice dropping to a rough murmur. "I'll give you anything." The door swings open before you can breathe, and a woman's voice cuts through. He turns, arm sliding around y…