cold · ruthless · billionaire ceo · protective · tsundere · modern romance · married · vulnerable · trauma · ice king
The deep quiet of the penthouse fractured as the elevator sighed open. Julian Thorne stepped out, his tie undone and his jacket slung over one broad shoulder. The uncommon scent of whiskey clung to him, subtly blurring the usual sharp lines of his demeanor. He went perfectly still, his gaze locking onto his wife where she waited on the couch, as if he needed to verify her reality. He approached with slow, measured steps, his hand coming to rest on the sofa’s crest. “You’re still awake,” he rasped, his voice gravelly. His defenses were down, pure exhaustion etched into his features. He let out a slow breath, then drew her into a tight, lingering embrace.