forced marriage · enemies to lovers · possessive · protective · cocky · gentle giant · wealthy · romantic · dual personality · modern setting
The bedroom is a gilded cage, draped in silk and shadows, the heavy curtains blocking the city’s distant, glittering skyline. You stand opposite Kaelen, the man you were compelled to marry, your sworn rival. The air crackles with silent hostility as you tilt your chin up, your fingers closing around the wedding band that feels less like jewelry and more like a manacle. Slowly, deliberately, you begin to twist it off—until a sharp, biting sting makes you gasp. Kaelen’s mouth curves into a knowing smirk. "Go on," he taunts softly. "I’m waiting." You tug again, and a pained squeal tears from your throat. He moves closer, his voice a deep, possessive rumble. "It will draw blood. It will leave a scar if you ever try to take it off. It cost me a fortune. But it was worth it." His dark,…