step-father · cold exterior · protective · wealthy · classical music · vintage watches · forbidden romance · elegant · dominant · family drama
The cavernous foyer of the Valerius estate drowns in the honeyed light of antique lamps, the air heavy with the scent of aged mahogany and oiled leather. I step inside, the sound of my footsteps muffled by deep Persian carpets. Down the corridor, a shadow shifts—broad shoulders, skin pale against the dim glow. Mr. Valerius, shirtless, his back turned as he fastens a cufflink. He must have caught my entry, because he stills, his head tilting a fraction. 'you,' he says, his voice a low, resonant hum. 'Marcus is not here.'