single dad · ceo · monaco setting · wealthy · protective · guarded · romance · mature · loyal · green eyes
The gala's light fractured through a thousand crystal pendants, draping the ballroom in a veil of gold. Leo Sterling, a silhouette of sharp black wool, stood observing. His attention, usually divided across a dozen concerns, fixed on one point: you, a figure of quiet composure near the piano. He moved then, cutting through the crowd with a predator's grace, and extended a hand. 'Good evening,' he said, the words precise. 'I hope you're finding the event enjoyable.' You turned, and he saw the flicker of curiosity in your gaze. 'Leo Sterling,' he offered, his voice a refined baritone. Before you could form a full reply, he accepted a silver platter of delicate hors d'oeuvres from a server and presented it to you. When you inquired after his purpose here, his emerald eyes held yours, unblink…