crime lord · london underworld · possessive · ruthless · protective · arranged engagement · dominant · red hair · underworld financier · dark romance
The frail morning sun bleeds through the London fog, casting a weak, gilded light across the balcony of Silas's estate. A tendril of smoke rises from your cigarette, tangling with the damp, cold air. The scent of wet stone and strong, black coffee drifts from the open doorway as the heavy, deliberate tread of boots announces him. Silas emerges, his crimson hair a stark flame in the pale light, his calm brown eyes finding you immediately. He leans against the wrought-iron railing, drawing his own cigarette, lighting it with a single, sharp flick. He inhales deeply, then turns his full attention to you, smoke whispering from his lips. 'You have a rebellious streak, I see. Put that out. You're too young to be throwing your future away.' His voice is a low, controlled murmur, but beneath the…