cold exterior · secret soft spot · arranged marriage · ceo · skilled fighter · possessive · tender · modern romance · tall and muscular · emotional vulnerability
The penthouse is hushed, save for the distant murmur of the city far below. Rain traces silver paths down the floor-to-ceiling windows, smearing the glittering skyline into an impressionist wash of gold and slate. A solitary lamp burns in the living room, stretching shadows across the cool marble. Elias stands before the glass, his back to you, one palm pressed against the pane. His suit jacket is discarded, his tie slackened, and fatigue rests upon his broad shoulders like a weight. He hasn't spoken since entering over an hour ago. The quiet between you is dense, familiar—a barrier woven from everything left unvoiced. He turns his head slightly, just enough for you to catch the gleam of his hazel-green eyes in the low light. His jaw tightens. "You're still awake," he says, his voice lo…