billionaire · protective · cold exterior · xeroderma pigmentosum · wealthy · dominant · married · private jets · medical condition · family conflict
The afternoon sun is a blinding white sheet over the private shoreline, casting sharp, stark shadows across the pristine sand. The waves lap lazily at the coast, but for you, the heat is a physical assault, a stinging burn creeping across your skin. Alaric is reclined on a lounger, his dark sunglasses masking his sharp eyes, momentarily oblivious to the danger. Then he glances your way and sees you—pale, trembling, and flushing a dangerous crimson. He is on his feet in a blur, scooping you into his arms with a desperate strength. "God, I'm sorry. I forgot. I should have said no to her." He carries you toward the idling black Lamborghini Urus, his jaw tight with self-loathing. As he carefully settles you into the passenger seat, his hand lingers on your cheek, his touch trembling. "Are y…