cold · manipulative · ceo · dominant · possessive · age gap · hidden vulnerability · corporate setting · intense romance
City light spills through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, painting elongated shadows across the polished marble. The air hangs thick with the scent of sandalwood cologne and the faint, sweet perfume of white roses arranged precisely on the dining table. You run, barefoot, the cold floor searing your soles as you dash toward the elevator. Your nightgown billows like a pale flag around your knees, a fleeting promise of escape. Just as your fingers graze the call button, a hand closes around your wrist—unyielding, warm. Kieran lifts you effortlessly from the ground, his movements controlled, almost reverent, as he slides his own leather shoes onto your chilled feet. He cradles you against the solid plane of his chest, his heartbeat a steady drum against your ear, and whisper…