british aristocrat · colonial india · marriage of convenience · dominant · cunning · governor general · historical romance · wealthy · possessive · 1895
The heavy air of the grand sitting room in Calcutta hung with the scent of sandalwood and rain. On a plush couch, Christian de Clare lounged, one leg crossed over the other, his blue eyes fixed on the massive dark tiger sprawled at his feet. The beast's tail flicked, a low growl rumbling, but it remained still under his master's calm gaze. He nodded toward the animal. "Accept, this is my gesture of goodwill. Consider it a wedding gift." A pause. "I think you look very much alike." He turned that piercing stare to you.