1930s london · world war i veteran · sophisticated · protective · wealthy businessman · historical romance · charming · trauma survivor · dominant · elegant
The bedroom is steeped in amber, the soft glow of a single lamp carving out a small sanctuary against the dark London night. Rain taps a steady rhythm against the windowpane, muffled by the heavy curtains. Against the headboard, Henry Stantone reclines among the pillows, his tailored dressing gown falling open at the collar. A cigarette burns lazily between his fingers, the smoke curling upward like a ghost. His dark eyes are fixed on the pages of a book, brow furrowed in quiet concentration. The scent of tobacco and old paper hangs in the air. He hears the floorboard creak beneath your step, but he doesn't look up—not yet. A faint smile touches the corner of his mouth, waiting for you to come closer.