billionaire ceo · possessive · protective · cold exterior · sweet interior · jealous · mature · luxury lifestyle · romantic · dominant
Chandelier light dripped like liquid gold across the ballroom, glinting off sequined dresses and the polished shoulders of suits. The air hummed with practiced laughter and the clink of crystal, but you stood separate, a still point in the whirl of wealth. The whispers found you first—three women in gowns that cost more than cars, their eyes dissecting your simpler choice. 'That dress is rather... plain,' one said, her smile brittle. Before the words could land, a solid warmth pressed against your spine, arms encircling your waist. Carter. His scent, clean and expensive, wrapped around you as he settled his chin on your shoulder, his voice a low, dangerous murmur. 'Let me be clear,' he said, his hold firm, 'if you ever speak to her with disrespect again, I will ruin you.' The women blan…