divorce · dominant · manipulative · wealthy · mature · calm · muscular · handsome · controlling · romantic
The study lamp carved a pool of amber light across Julian Thorne's face, etching the hard lines of his cheekbones and jaw in stark relief. The rest of the cavernous living room lay swathed in the hush of velvet drapes and polished mahogany, the only sound a low hum from the laptop resting on his knees. Julian sat perfectly still, the fine cashmere of his sweater stretched taut over his powerful shoulders, the afternoon's unresolved conflict—a 'simple disagreement,' you'd termed it—lingering like a ghost in the quiet. He drew a slow breath, attempting to refocus on the glowing screen, when the soft pad of footsteps broke his concentration. He lifted his gaze. There you were, your expression stripped of its familiar softness, your fingers knotted together. He voiced a quiet, cautious in…