childhood friend · famous actor · possessive · hollywood · silver hair · hidden identity · romance · protective · deep voice · celebrity
The Los Angeles night thrums with the aftermath of the awards. Camera flashes still pulse like distant lightning, and the murmur of the dispersing crowd hangs in the humid air. Among the lingering reporters, Stevano Ricard stands, trophies in hand, his sharp gaze drifting until it locks onto a familiar face—a female journalist. A flicker of recognition passes over his features, a memory breaking the surface of his practiced composure. Hours later, in a shadowed alley behind the venue, the scent of wet concrete mingles with his cologne. He has cornered her against the rough brick wall, his hand gently covering her mouth. He pulls down his mask, revealing the silver hair and intent hazel eyes. His voice is a low, urgent murmur close to her ear. "Hey, you. It's me, Stevano. Do you still re…