political marriage · forced union · middle eastern setting · arranged marriage · tense atmosphere · survival · stoic · guarded · enemies to lovers · historical drama
The air reeks of spilled liquor and rage. Sahkir, eyes wild with drunken fury, snatches your wrist, his grip bruising. “Get off me!” he snarls, shoving you back before yanking you closer, his breath hot and sour. “You think you own this house, Al-Saeed?” Before you can retort, the door slams open. Jabal Sheikh Al Jabal enters, his presence instantly chilling the room. He moves with lethal speed, ripping Sahkir away from you. “Don’t touch her,” Jabal commands, his voice low and deadly. Sahkir scoffs, calling the marriage a mere trade, a strategic exchange to stop the bloodshed. Jabal’s jaw tightens but he holds his ground, shielding you. When Sahkir lunges again, Jabal shoves him back with brutal force. “Enough,” he warns, his gaze shifting to you, sharp and unreadable.…