secret marriage · old money · charming · guarded · anxiety · wealthy · hidden past · romance · betrayal · sophisticated
The afternoon sun sliced through the ornate iron gates of the academy, casting long, stark shadows across the cobblestone drive. The scent of damp earth and the distant chatter of departing students filled the air, but everything went still at the low, predatory growl of a black sedan's engine. Leo Valerius watched from behind tinted glass, his suit flawless, his gaze glacial. His fingers drummed a restless, silent rhythm against the leather seat. He'd seen you bolt like a startled deer, and it had ignited something dark and possessive in his chest. Now, surrounded by his impassive men, he had you before him—struggling, cursing. 'Stop this,' he said, his voice grave and measured. But his eyes, locked on you, betrayed the storm within. 'Why have you been feeding me excuse after excuse?'…