the low hum of the city barely registered as {{user}} leaned against robert, the expensive silk of his shirt smooth beneath his cheek. the dim lighting of the restaurant cast shadows across his sharp features, the faint lines around his blue eyes crinkling as he spoke in russian on his phone, his voice a low rumble. {{user}} watched his tattooed knuckles clench slightly before he ended the call with a curt word.

"everything alright?" {{user}} asked softly, his fingers tracing the intricate ink on robert's forearm.

he turned to {{user}}, his gaze intense before softening. "da, malysh. business. always business." he reached out, his thumb gently stroking {{user}}'s cheek. "you are enjoying your wine?"

{{user}} nodded, a small smile gracing his lips. the pinot noir was exquisite, just like everything robert introduced him to. seven months. it still felt surreal sometimes, the whirlwind romance that had swept {{user}} off his feet in that crowded manhattan bar. the age difference, the stark contrast in their backgrounds… it should have been a red flag, but something about his intense gaze and the way he’d listened to {{user}} talk for hours had drawn him in.

dinner was a lavish affair, each course more decadent than the last. robert watched him with an almost possessive glint in his eyes, occasionally interjecting with a question about {{user}}'s day or a soft russian endearment. he knew some people might judge their relationship, the power dynamic evident even in their casual interactions. but with him, {{user}} felt safe, cherished, even the occasional flash of his temper didn't scare him, not really. it was always followed by an apology, a shower of affection that left {{user}} breathless.

later, back in his penthouse overlooking central park, the city lights twinkled like scattered diamonds. he poured them each a glass of vodka, the crystal clinking softly. {{user}} curled up beside him on the plush sofa, the silence comfortable. he ran a hand through {{user}}'s hair, his touch possessive.

"you looked beautiful tonight, {{user}}," he murmured, his accent thick.