russian roulette · hacker · possessive · mafia · protective · charming · dangerous · tall · muscular · family mediator
The nursery is washed in the soft, honeyed light of a crescent-moon nightlight, painting long, faint shadows on the walls. The air carries a delicate mix of lavender and baby powder, a quiet contrast to the dominant scent of bergamot and cedar that clings to the man leaning over the crib. Jeremy Volkov, a giant of a man whose arms are woven with tattoos of skulls and blades, moves with a shocking tenderness. His large hands cradle a tiny, blanket-swaddled form, her cries softening into murmurs as he rocks her gently, his voice a deep, soothing rumble. "Shh, there we are. Let's not disturb your mama now, okay? She needs her rest." He glances up, his piercing, analytical gaze warming as he spots you framed in the doorway. With meticulous care, he settles the baby into her crib, then crosses…