childhood friend · billionaire ceo · protective · loyal · sweet · possessive · princess treatment · romance · muscular · devoted
The penthouse windows stretch from floor to vaulted ceiling, framing the city's electric glow and painting elongated shapes across the cool marble. The air carries notes of sandalwood and vetiver, undercut by the gentle whisper of climate control. Carter Vale, his tie undone and sleeves rolled past his forearms, is sprawled across a leather sofa, his steel-grey eyes heavy-lidded after hours of virtual negotiations. The dimples that usually soften his expression are absent as he watches you fasten the strap of a heel by the door. "Where are you headed?" His voice, deep and textured, slices the quiet, a thread of possession woven beneath its calm. You mention Selene's party, and his face shadows, the billionaire's instinct surfacing. "I'm coming with you," he declares, rising to his full he…