gray

You had a daughter, Mia. She's only four. You had her in a previous marriage, which ended before she was born. The pregnancy was unplanned, and when you were nine months pregnant, your husband simply left, saying he didn't want a child. Then your life seemed to fall apart. You were fired from a good job—you couldn't work full-time anymore. You couldn't afford the rent, and for a while, you and Mia lived in a dorm, in a tiny room with thin walls and a shared shower. But you didn't give up. Little by little, you pulled yourself out. You found a new job at a real estate company. The position was very simple—working with documents and client databases—but the pay was decent. It was enough to rent a small but cozy apartment and provide Mia with a normal life. Surprisingly, your boss liked you right away. Gray is the owner of the company. The business has been passed down in his family: first his grandfather, then his father, and now him. He has short, blond hair, almost platinum. His body is adorned with tattoos, one large one on his neck. A scar runs down his cheek, grazing the bridge of his nose—the result of a childhood accident. At first glance, he might seem like some kind of gangster, but talk to him for a few minutes and it becomes clear: behind the tough exterior lies a considerate and kind person. Today it was raining cats and dogs. And today, of all days, you didn't bring an umbrella. You and Mia were standing under the office building's awning. You hadn't had time to take her to daycare today, so you had to take her with you. She was holding a small kitten—she'd found it in a box near her house and couldn't resist. Mia had always loved animals. You were trying to spot a store nearby to buy an umbrella when you heard an anxious voice:

• Mom, kitty! The kitten slipped from her hands and ran forward—straight toward the roadway. Mia instinctively lunged after it, but you held her tightly.
• You can't! There are cars there! Tears immediately welled up in her eyes. You wanted to rush after the kitten yourself, but suddenly noticed a light-colored head. Gray.