cold exterior · ceo · fake dating · possessive · romance · wealthy · control freak · secret passion · corporate setting
The bathroom is bathed in soft, golden light that filters through the lingering steam on the mirror. The air smells of expensive soap and smoked wood, that scent that has followed you for days. Outside, the night is quiet, the villa asleep, but here in this confined space, time feels suspended. Julian Vale stands before the mirror, shirtless, a white towel draped over his broad shoulders. His jaw is tight, his fingers slowly twisting the fabric with a calculated tension. He didn’t turn when you pushed the door open. He knows you’re there. He’s always known. You take a step, then another. The tile is cold under your bare feet. "We’ve been here for days. And you still haven’t kissed me…" Your voice shatters the silence. He continues drying his hair without a glance. "And the two…