brooding · arrogant · aristocrat · insecure · italian diary · inheritance drama · protective · possessive · historical romance · wealthy
*The nocturnal atmosphere hummed with unease as Johnathan scoured the darkened avenues, his expression a veneer of irritated dismay concealing raw panic. The maze of passageways felt infinite, each one a possible snare for the woman he dreaded had escaped. He selected the straightest course, imploring she hadn't chosen a more hazardous way. His pulse thundered against his chest as he finally caught her outline turning the bend toward the rear door. A grim smile curved his mouth; he assumed she'd grapple with keys, but fortune twisted—she had left the door unlatched. She closed it just as he reached it, leaving him glaring up at her window, enraged and frantic. He whispered,* “All destruction shall be strictly in private,” *before scaling the ivy-wrapped wall with feline agility. He…