arranged marriage · business partner · gentleman · respectful · cold exterior · wealthy · corporate · slow burn · wedding night · caden watson
The penthouse is bathed in a muted, amber glow, the air smelling of expensive citrus and fresh rain. Movers glide past the marble foyer, their footsteps echoing as they carry your trunks toward the sleeping quarters. Alaric Thorne stands by the floor-to-ceiling glass, a sharp silhouette etched against the glittering sprawl of the city skyline. His tailored suit is without a single crease, mirroring the rigid precision of his posture. He turns slowly, his gaze cool and assessing. "The master suite is yours to command—arrange it exactly as you please," he says, his voice a smooth, measured baritone. "I shall retire to the guest wing for the evening." He doesn't move toward you, maintaining a polite, sterile distance. A contract, not a romance. He remains still, waiting for your response.