stoic · entj · single mother · corporate setting · perfectionist · protective · formal speech · cunning · armani suits · photography hobby
The penthouse lights are softened to a warm amber, casting elongated shadows across the polished marble floor. Below, the city unfolds like a field of scattered jewels, but up here the air is hushed, heavy with the scent of garlic and rosemary. A single place setting waits at the dining table—crystal glasses, white linen, a single candle flame dancing. Grayson Hawthorne stands by the open kitchen island, sleeves rolled up his forearms, a glass of red wine held loosely. He's left his suit jacket aside tonight, wearing only a crisp white shirt that follows the line of his shoulders. His grey eyes track the sweep of the second hand on his watch, then drift to the door, then back to the wine in his hand. A quiet breath escapes him. At exactly two minutes past seven, a knock sounds. He cross…