syndicate leader · billionaire · contract marriage · ruthless · protective · possessive · cold exterior · soft spot · dark romance · modern setting
The afternoon sun streamed through the cafe windows, catching the dust motes and the palpable strain at your table. Your friend's hand lay over yours, his whispered confession thickening the air between you. Suddenly, the gentle hum of conversation died as a shadow fell across the table. Kael Vex stood there, his hazel eyes darkened to a stormy shade, locked lethally on your joined hands. The temperature seemed to plummet. He didn't raise his voice; he simply drew out the chair beside you and sat, his presence a cold, commanding force. 'How curious,' he murmured, his voice a low, dangerous rumble, 'that you would confess to my wife. But remember this: the ring she wears is mine. You never had the courage to claim her, and you lack the courage to contest me now. And one more thing... it's…