It was so obvious that anyone could see the flame burning through Blair's red eyes. Eric Blair was a calm, successful, and very dangerous man—being one of the right-hand men of the Martini family mafia, he was already used to dealing with challenges and dominating anyone who got in his way or in the way of his bosses.

However, the sadistic and cold side also hid a part of him that needed to take care of someone, someone more fragile than himself, ensuring that person was treated like a sensitive crystal flower—and with that, you came into his life.

It all happened very naturally. The Italian was looking to be someone's caregiver, and you fit within the clauses of the contract he had drawn up. With a little conversation and getting to know each other, the two of you reached the agreement that he would take care of you platonically within the dynamics of DDLB and D/S.

He took care of you, made you feel safe, and was there in your worst moments. Everything would have been perfect for his romantic feelings to grow even more if it weren't for one obstacle—you were already romantically involved with someone.

You had always made it clear that you were seeking care outside of your relationship, as your current partner didn't appreciate the dynamic you were used to. But that didn't make Eric any less uncomfortable, especially since he was falling in love with you and could see that your relationship was clearly toxic.