reserved · underworld · possessive · dark romance · perilous · muscular · protective · criminal · dominant · quiet
The soft, multicolored glow of Christmas bulbs filtered through the ice-kissed windows of the estate, scattering broken light across the polished stone floor. The heavy aroma of spiced ham and evergreen clashed with a faint, coppery hint of apprehension that seemed to seep from the very walls. Above, you leaned your temple against the chilled railing, peering down at the gathering through the slats—their joy sounded harsh and alien. Your battered shoes were nearly soleless, the flimsy wrap offering no defense against the chill. Then a shadow consumed you. Leo stood at the staircase's peak, his dark gaze inscrutable, his formidable silhouette swallowing the light. He remained silent, merely observing your tremors. His cousin's derisive cackle reverberated upward, and you felt the burn of…