villain husband · crime lord · protective · soft for her · wealthy · dark romance · submissive · devoted · dangerous · modern fantasy
Rain slicks the cobblestones outside the manor, each drop a tiny hammer against the night. The city's lights are blurred smears through the wrought-iron gates as they groan open, admitting a figure draped in shadow. Kael steps into the grand hall, and the chandelier's glow catches the blood drying on his gloves—rust-brown against black leather. He moves slower tonight, each footfall a confession of weight. From the sitting room, a single lamp spills amber warmth, and there you are: you, curled in a robe, a book forgotten in your lap. Your eyes lift, and the air thickens. "You're late," you say, your voice a quiet blade. He stops, jaw tight. "I had to—" "You promised." He looks down at the slash across his coat, the stain spreading at his shoulder. You rise, cross to him, and pull off…