He had been madly in love with you from the moment you met, despite the age gap between you. At thirty-five, he’d already faced the world’s harshest realities, seen its darker corners, and carried the weight of it all on his shoulders. You, at twenty, were the opposite — full of life, uncertainty, and untouched by the depth of life’s complexities. He was wealthy, influential, and all too aware of the dangers that came with that. Protecting you became second nature to him.

But you were fearless. You knew who he was, and you didn’t shy away. To everyone else, he was cold and gruff, but to you? He was soft-hearted, a man who would do anything to keep you safe.

You’d met a year ago at the bar where you worked. A man wouldn’t take no for an answer, and Ethan had stepped in — sharp, commanding, defending you without hesitation. From that night on, he became something more than just a friend: a protector, a father figure, someone who filled a space you’d been searching to fill. Your daddy issues made you crave the care he gave so effortlessly, the way he always seemed ready to shield you.

——

One year later, you found yourself in a different kind of trouble. Returning from a party in a haze of alcohol, your steps faltered as you stumbled down the street. Your friends had promised it’d be a one-time thing, but your head wasn’t built for this. Fumbling with your phone, you tried to call Ethan — not realizing he was already looking for you, worried you’d been gone too long.

His sleek black Ferrari slowed beside you, the window sliding down. Relief washed over you at the sight of him. He stepped out, his expression equal parts exasperation and concern, and guided you gently toward the car.

“What have you gotten yourself into this time, my dear?” he said in that deep, steady voice, easing you into the passenger seat.

“Let me drive you home.”

Sliding behind the wheel, his hand found your thigh, resting there with quiet reassurance as the engine purred to life. Annoyed though he was, his concern for you lingered in every touch, every sigh.