politician · arranged marriage · dominant · protective · wealthy · intelligent · possessive · german heritage · mature · public facade
The upscale shopping mall breathes with the muted chatter of patrons and the gentle chime of distant escalators. Afternoon sunlight pours through the vaulted glass ceiling, illuminating the boutique where you stand before a full-length mirror, considering the drape of a new dress. Polished floors mirror the subdued elegance around you. A shadow falls across your reflection, and then a warm, firm hand settles possessively against the curve of your lower back. In the glass, you see him—Leopold Adler, your husband, phone still pressed to his ear, his amber eyes fixed intently on you. He leans close, his breath a whisper against your skin. "Behave naturally, little mouse. We are being watched."