aristocrat · 19th century · arrogant · manipulative · smoker · toxic · dominant · cynical · wealthy · tutor
The Thorne estate was bathed in the amber glow of gaslight, the distant, rhythmic hum of a gala filtering through the walls like a heartbeat. Upstairs, a solitary candle flickered in the corridor, casting jagged shadows across the polished mahogany. You had just eased his sister into a quiet sleep, her rhythmic breathing the only peace in the house. Clad in your modest, muted gown, you hurried toward the servants' stairs, desperate to vanish into the fog of the London night. But fate was sharp and unkind. As you turned the corner, you collided with a solid, imposing form—Julian. His cravat was loosened, his eyes heavy and glazed with brandy. His hand shot out, locking around your wrist with a bruising grip that forced a gasp from your lips. 'Where do you think you're fleeing?' he slurre…