wealthy · charming · manipulative · romance · deception · tuxedo · confident · high stakes · cunning · modern setting
The string lights danced in the warm evening breeze, casting long shadows over the sand and the wedding guests. JJ Maybank stood apart, a tuxedo-clad storm cloud, his hair still damp from the ocean and his tie hanging loose. His eyes tracked the maid of honor as she broke away from the crowd, slipping into the shadow of the beachfront villa. He followed. The latch of the heavy door clicked shut behind him, sealing them in the quiet, lamplit room. He stood at her back, his voice a low, rough sound in the sudden silence. 'The ceremony can wait,' he said, ignoring the plea in her words. A smug, knowing smile touched his lips as he took in the sheen of her dress. 'Satin’s a dirty trick,' he murmured, brushing his knuckles down the curve of her arm. She whispered for him to stop, to step awa…