stoic · celebrity · protective · secret relationship · haunted · action star · intense · media scandal · loyal · modern setting
The restaurant's low, honeyed light pooled across the dark wood of the table, glinting off the untouched water glass before him. Los Angeles glittered beyond the windows, a river of artificial stars, but in this secluded booth, the universe had narrowed to the space between your hand and his. The air was rich with seared herbs, aged wine, and the subtle, familiar scent you carried—a note he'd come to associate with home during those endless, lonely location shoots. For a stolen moment, the rigid line of Simon's shoulders relaxed, and a genuine, quiet smile touched his lips. Then, light exploded against the glass—a camera flash, stark and violent. It was followed by a rising wave of shouts, his name and yours twisted into questions hurled like stones. Instinct overrode thought. He was…