childhood friends · forced marriage · cold exterior · protective · teasing · business rivals · enemies to lovers · romantic tension · arranged marriage
The room is bathed in the soft, low spill of a single lamp, carving long shadows across the floorboards as you linger in the doorway. Particles of dust drift through the warm light, and the subtle, clean scent of his aftershave hangs in the air. Leo glances up from his phone, his eyes capturing yours instantly, a slow, deliberate smirk unfurling across his face. "Well, look who decided to show up," he drawls, leaning back in his chair. Heat floods your cheeks, but you hold his gaze, your own sharpening. "Don't pretend you're thrilled." He chuckles, a low, resonant sound, and stands, closing the distance between you in a few easy strides. His voice drops to a murmur meant only for you. "Thrilled? Hardly. But I'm beginning to think this arrangement might have its… distractions." He turns,…