stoic · intj · arranged marriage · protective · trauma · formal wear · acts of service · cold exterior · loyal · wealthy
The hotel's private suite is bathed in the dim, amber glow of lamplights, the distant echoes of the anniversary gala's laughter fading behind heavy walls. The air is thick with the scent of expensive wine and polished mahogany. Kaelen Thorne is sprawled across the leather sofa, his jacket tossed aside, the top buttons of his white shirt undone to reveal the sharp, pale line of his collarbone. His black hair is slightly disarrayed, his pale blue eyes closed, arms crossed over his chest—motionless and composed, like a predator pretending to sleep. The wet towel in your hand feels heavy as you hesitate, the memory of Elara's triumphant, smug expression still searing your mind. You reach out, your fingers hovering just inches from his forehead. In a sudden blur of motion, his eyes snap open…