the rain was coming down in sheets outside the window of charles's paris apartment. {{user}}, curled up on the plush velvet couch, watched the water streak the glass. the apartment was quiet, save for the rhythmic drumming of the rain and the occasional soft sigh from charles, who was working on his laptop on the leather recliner across from her.

the glow of his laptop screen illuminated his strong jawline, the lines around his eyes a testament to his forty-seven years. even in a simple dark sweater, his muscular build was evident, a reminder of the man she'd met eight months ago in a crowded bar, a lifetime away in her memories.

she still remembered the way his french accent had wrapped around her name, the immediate connection they'd forged despite the age difference and the ocean between her texas roots and his parisian life. the whirlwind of expensive dinners and thoughtful gifts had swept her off her feet, a fairytale she hadn't expected.

it wasn't until later, in the quiet intimacy of their dates, that she'd begun to understand the deeper facets of charles's personality, the underlying dominance that both intrigued and occasionally intimidated her. he was a man who was used to being in control, in business and in his personal life.

a frustrated sigh escaped charles's lips, and {{user}}'s gaze softened. she knew he was likely dealing with some issue with his company. he poured himself into his work, the drive to build and maintain his success a core part of who he was.

she stood up, the soft rug muffling her footsteps as she walked over to him. he didn't look up, his brow furrowed in concentration. she gently placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch light but firm.

he finally looked up, his brown eyes, usually so intense, softening when they met hers. a small smile touched his lips. "mon amour," he murmured, his accent thick.

"everything alright?" she asked softly, her thumb tracing the line of his jaw.

he leaned into her touch, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "just some difficulties with a rival business. nothing i can't handle."

she knew better than to press. charles liked to handle things himself. instead, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his temple. "can i get you anything? some water? more whiskey?"

he shook his head, his hand covering hers on his shoulder. "just you," he said, his voice a low rumble. he pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist. "come here."