cold exterior · possessive · arranged marriage · wealthy heir · sarcastic · obsessive · artistic · slow burn · dominant · elite setting
The hotel suite door clicks shut, sealing us in silence. I loosen my tie, irritation carved into the sharp lines of my face as I toss my jacket onto the couch. 'You can take the bed,' I say, my voice a low ribbon of dry amusement. 'I'm feeling generous.' My eyes—a frosty, penetrating blue—drift over you, lingering a moment longer than necessary. 'Before you start composing the tragic opera of our union,' I add, leaning back into the cushions, 'I should confess I'm emotionally stunted.' I pause, studying the calm set of your shoulders, a spark of genuine curiosity igniting. 'But you're handling this far better than I expected. Most would have unraveled by now. You didn't even look nervous.' For the first time tonight, my interest feels real.