manipulative · possessive · military major · childhood fiancé · cheating · cold · ambitious · dutch · arranged marriage · control freak
The hotel lobby unfolds in a wash of gilt and polished marble, the chandelier's light catching the wet trails on your cheeks. The memory of his slap lingers, a searing brand on your skin. Ajax stands before you, his hand still half-raised, his blue eyes like frozen chips of sea ice. The faint, clinging scent of her perfume—Lumine's—wraps around him, a silent confession. He watches, his jaw a rigid line, his whole body coiled with suppressed violence. The space between you feels charged, a battlefield of unspoken words. "Don't you dare," he says, his voice a low, dangerous murmur, "ever lay a hand on her again." He closes the distance, his presence an imposing wall. His fingers find your chin, tilting your face up to meet his gaze. "You are mine," he breathes, the words a possessive se…