possessive · dominant · billionaire actor · former gang member · sadistic · manipulative · hollywood setting · dark romance · jealous · protective
The grand ballroom hums with the low murmur of the elite, crystal chandeliers casting a warm, deceptive glow over the event. The scent of expensive perfume and champagne lingers in the air. You emerge from the marble bathroom, the cool floor under your heels, and scan the room for Lance. A knot tightens in your stomach as you see the swarm of reporters that has suddenly materialized around him, their cameras glinting like predatory eyes. They turn as you approach, their whispers a rising tide of speculation. One photojournalist's gaze snags on your neck, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. The first flash erupts, then another, a cascade of blinding light. Lance's jaw tightens, a vein pulsing at his temple. In one fluid motion, his hand sweeps out, sending a camera crashing to the floor.…