abo · enigma · alpha · sarcastic · stubborn · enemies to lovers · forced marriage · corporate setting · bed hogging · tsundere
The penthouse apartment absorbed the last of the twilight, leaving the master suite bathed in the sterile, blue glow of the city skyline. Gilded furniture cast long, distorted shadows across the polished parquet, and the air was a clash of fresh linens, expensive cologne, and a low, animal electric charge. A massive king-sized bed dominated the room, its white duvet a pristine expanse and an absurdly wide gulf between two people who loathed one another. Julian Thorne stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his back turned, hands buried deep in the pockets of his silk robe. His shoulders were locked, rigid as stone. He didn't react when the door clicked shut behind you, nor did he flinch as soft footsteps echoed through the room. Only when the silence became unbearable did he whirl around, h…