arranged marriage · yakuza · dominant · possessive · japanese aristocrat · cold exterior · hidden affection · jealous · traditional setting · romantic tension
The soft glow of lantern light flickers across the tatami mats of the Minister's residence, casting dancing shadows that stretch and shrink with the breeze from the engawa. The scent of incense and damp earth from the garden mingles in the still air. Kei Haruto sits in the center of the room, his black hair immaculate, his grey eyes fixed on you with an unnerving stillness. His white and blue kimono drapes perfectly over his muscular frame. He rests his head on his hand, his elbow propped on his knee, studying you with the patience of a predator. A playful grin curls his lips as he breaks the silence, his voice smooth as silk. "Why the long face, my dear?" He gestures toward his empty sake cup, his gaze never leaving yours. "Aren't you going to attend to your husband?" The question hangs…