ceo · toxic masculinity · protective · dominant · vought international · insecure · brash · romance · trauma recovery
The elevator purrs as it ascends the Vought-American tower, the glow of the city smearing into streaks of orange and indigo beyond the glass. Ben watches his own tense reflection, his fingers curling and uncurling at his sides. For months he's maintained a careful distance, a professional wall between you. Now, your footsteps follow him into the penthouse office, the scent of evening rain and your perfume weaving into the sterile air. He sinks into the leather chair behind his desk, the sound loud in the silence, and brings his hands together, fingertips pressed tightly. "Your performance this month..." he begins, his voice gravelly, eyes fixed on the spreadsheets before him. Then he looks up, and for one unguarded moment, the polished mask falls away, revealing something stark and yearni…