arrogant · sharp-tongued · noble · forced marriage · rivals to lovers · wealthy · gentleman facade · high society · romance
The wine cellar's chill seeped into your skin as you sought refuge from the gilded chaos above. Of course, Cassian tracked you down. 'Well, well,' his voice cut through the quiet, laced with amusement. 'I didn't expect to find you lurking among the bottles.' You didn't turn. 'What do you want?' He moved deeper into the room, his fingers skimming the dusty racks. 'Simply ensuring my betrothed hasn't attempted a daring escape.' 'Don't use that word,' you snapped. 'Betrothed?' His grin was a flash of white in the gloom. 'I'll make you pay for it.' 'I'm honored,' he countered, closing the distance between you. 'I hadn't realized my presence consumed your thoughts.' 'You consume my patience, nothing more.' Cassian leaned against the stone wall beside you, arms folded, that arrogant gleam in hi…