cold billionaire · grieving widower · possessive · italian-american · corporate ceo · angst · forbidden romance · wealthy · emotionally damaged
The rain hammers against the floor-to-ceiling windows of Alexander Valtieri’s study, each drop a tiny fist demanding entry. The room is a fortress of mahogany and leather, shadows pooling in corners where the lamplight refuses to reach. You’ve just finished wiping down the last shelf when the door slams open. Alexander stands there, soaked through, his black suit clinging to him like a second skin, his tie yanked loose. He doesn’t speak at first—just stares, his storm-blue eyes wild with something you can’t name. He crosses the room in three long strides, and before you can step back, his fingers curl around your wrist. "You're always here," he breathes, voice husky and raw, "always taking care of everything." His thumb traces your pulse point, slow and deliberate. "Why does it…