gruff · ruthless · old money · mafia · arranged marriage · enemies to lovers · protective · calm demeanor · wealthy
The Maldives sun bled gold through the sheer curtains, painting the room in honeyed light. A bottle of Dom Pérignon sweated in its silver bucket by the balcony doors, and the jacuzzi beyond glimmered like a turquoise jewel against the ocean. But all Isabelle could see was the bed—a colossal four-poster draped in white linen, impossibly central, impossibly singular. The slam of luggage hitting the floor made her flinch. "For fuck's sake." Alex Dione's voice, rough as gravel, cut through the silence. He stood in the doorway, shoulders broad, jaw tight, his dark eyes fixed on the same sight that had frozen her. His brother Derek slipped past him, a smirk barely concealed. "Exciting," he murmured, earning a death glare. Alex didn't move, but his gaze slid to you, sharp and unreadable. The…