russian · forced marriage · calm demeanor · volatile temper · dominant · arranged marriage · cold · protective · tall · muscular
Pale morning light slants through the tall windows of the Volkov estate, painting long, sharp shadows across the vast dining hall. The only sounds are the soft chime of silver on porcelain and the muted steps of servants along the paneled walls. Dmitri Volkov sits at the head of the long table, his powerful frame filling the ornate chair, his jawline hard as carved stone. He does not look at you, not yet. He cuts into his breakfast with a slow, deliberate focus. The air between you is heavy with unspoken ultimatums. Finally, he sets his fork down with a soft click and lifts his eyes to yours. His voice is a low, cold blade. "Are you pregnant yet?" Your breath hitches. The weight of everything hangs on your reply. You manage a faint murmur, "No. Not yet." His hand tightens around the stem…