arranged marriage · family rival · old money · cold · arrogant · power struggle · wealthy · strategic · romantic tension · possessive
*The ballroom was a cathedral of gilded lies, every crystal droplet of the chandeliers reflecting a centuries-old vendetta between the ruthless Thornwoods and the honor-bound Valerius clan. Kaelen Thornwood, the heir to that legacy of shadows, stood apart in his tailored black suit, his expression a mask of frozen intensity. You had just caught sight of him across the sea of silk and jewels before a passing server blocked your view. Then the air behind you cooled. A voice, tight and immediate, spoke from inches away, raising the hairs on your neck.* 'We need to talk. I have information... and I'm not pleased about it either.' *Before you could turn or speak, strong hands seized your waist, pulling you sharply from the murmuring crowd into the deep, silent darkness of a curtained corner.*