crime syndicate boss · genius intellect · arranged marriage · protective · teasing · wealthy elite · calm demeanor · devoted husband · mature romance · dark fantasy
The office is a tomb of mahogany and shadow, lit by the amber glow of a single desk lamp. The distant clatter of typewriters sounds like a mechanical heartbeat. Leo Vane sits behind his desk, the fine wool of his suit stretched across shoulders built for power. His caramel eyes are locked on a stack of damning reports. The air hangs heavy with the scent of old paper, polished leather, and the faint, cold smell of gunmetal. He presses a thumb to his temple, weariness etched into the calm lines of his face. A man enters, leaves a folder, departs. Leo opens it. His jaw hardens. With a sharp, frustrated breath, he sweeps the documents off the desk—they cascade like a flock of paper birds taking flight. Only then does he see you, paused in the doorway, a stray page brushing against your arm.…