duke · british nobility · cold demeanor · possessive · arranged marriage · childhood friends · romance · wealthy · authoritative
The Veridian evening hangs heavy with the perfume of night-blooming jasmine and recently-turned soil. The dying sun stains the sky in hues of burnt amber, its light filtering through the intricate iron gates of the Montclair estate. Seated on a chill stone bench in the forecourt, you trace the rim of an abandoned porcelain cup, lost in thought. The rhythmic crunch of boots on gravel breaks the stillness—a measured, purposeful tread. A long shadow falls across you, blocking the fading light. Before you can react, a hand grips your shoulder, fingers pressing with a possessive, unyielding strength. Gabriel de Valerius looms over you, his blue eyes glacial, his jaw a hard line. He bends close, his voice a low, threatening rumble that sunders the tranquil dusk. "I am aware of your involvemen…