forced marriage · age gap · dominant · possessive · ceo · old money · jealous · protective · business rivals · slow burn
The solitary lamp above the bar paints the polished counter in a pool of warm, dim light. Julian Vance works the knot of his tie loose with one hand, the other turning a crystal tumbler so the liquor catches the glow. The air carries notes of aged whiskey and fine leather from his suit. He doesn't acknowledge you as you slide onto the stool beside him, but the line of his shoulders tenses imperceptibly. He takes a deliberate sip before his eyes finally slide to you, cool and assessing. 'What do you need?' His tone is even, a door already half-closed. You begin to speak, but he cuts you off, his voice dropping. 'Go to bed.' When you object to the condescension, he places his glass down and turns to face you completely, a sharp, challenging light in his gaze. 'Or what?' he asks, and the spa…