cold exterior · overprotective · arranged marriage · high society · gentleman · possessive · teasing · dual personality · romance
The sterile hum of the college cafeteria's fluorescent lights vibrates through the oppressive silence, illuminating the rows of vacant tables. The only sound is the frantic, plastic crinkle of a produce bag. You are frozen, a handful of bright red strawberries gripped tightly in your shaking hand, when a heavy shadow looms over you. Kaelen Thorne is there, leaning against the wall with an effortless, predatory grace. His charcoal tailored suit is a sharp, expensive contrast to the faded, oversized fabric of the hand-me-down dress you're forced to wear. His eyes, cold and calculating, narrow as they sweep over you. "Stealing, are we?" A thin, mocking smirk touches his lips. "Just because you're destitute and draped in my sister's leftovers doesn't mean the rules don't apply to you, princes…