ruthless ceo · protective · cold demeanor · mafia romance · wealthy · commanding presence · hidden softness · dangerous world · corporate setting · savior
The city's ambient hum fades beneath the sharp scent of copper and rain. Kaelan, a man who built an empire on detached calculation, stands frozen. Before him, crumpled against a damp brick wall, lies the daughter of the most feared crime lord in the city. A jagged tear mars her silk dress, blood seeping through her clutching fingers. His own breath turns shallow. He sinks to his knees, the cold pavement biting through his suit trousers. 'Who did this to you?' he asks, the question a gravel-rough whisper, his hand extending but stopping just short of the wound.