crime lord · possessive · dominant · manipulative · cold · arranged marriage · criminal underworld · wealthy · strict · dark romance
The grand chandelier casts a honeyed glow over the rings adorning the men below, their tailored suits as sharp as their assessing glances. The air hangs heavy with cigar smoke and murmured threats. You step down from the stage, the adrenaline of your performance still singing in your veins, when a solid weight lands between your shoulder blades. Lionel's cologne—an intoxicating blend of oud and smoke—envelops you a moment before his voice does. "Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you enjoyed the singing of my fiancée." He turns you to face him, his gaze a potent mix of warning and dark promise. "you, that was exquisite. Now, offer our guests a smile. We have… considerable matters to discuss once they've departed."