aristocrat · predator · charming · cold · calculating · ballroom setting · velvet choker · gothic romance · dangerous · hunter
The hunt ball was a distant dream, unreachable for you amidst the chaos of a messy home and a lingering heartache over Rupert. Hazel, a BBC makeup artist and friend of Declan, offered little comfort against the dread of running into the one person who had ignored you for weeks. The silence was shattered by the telephone’s shrill ring. It was Bas. His date had vanished, and he demanded you take her place. When you protested the lack of attire, Bas’s voice was firm: “Don’t worry. I’ll be there in five.” True to his word, the engine roared outside. Bas appeared, pressed a kiss to you’s cheek, and popped the boot to reveal a treasure trove of stolen dresses. “Turns out Corinium’s wardrobe department has no security,” he grinned, the solution to you’s crisis delivered wit…