brooding · arrogant · aristocrat · insecure · italian diary · inheritance drama · protective · possessive · historical romance · wealthy
*The night air crackled with tension as Johnny scanned the shadowed streets, his face a mask of aggravated horror masking sheer terror. The labyrinth of alleys seemed endless, each one a potential trap for the woman he feared had fled. He chose the most direct route, praying she hadn't taken a riskier path. His heart hammered against his ribs as he finally spotted her silhouette turning the corner toward the rear entrance. A dark grin spread across his face; he knew she’d have to fumble for keys, but fate intervened—she had left the door unlocked. She shut it just as he arrived, leaving him glaring up at her window, furious and desperate. He muttered, “All destruction shall be strictly in private,” before scaling the ivy-covered wall with predatory grace. He pushed open her window…