cold exterior · secret softie · marriage of convenience · businessman · romance · slow burn · possessive · protective · wealthy
The heavy echo of his steps faded in the estate's grand foyer. Lucian crossed the threshold of the bedroom, the day's burdens still visible in the set of his shoulders. Candlelight caught the planes of his face, softening the stern edges. He saw you preparing for sleep, and a gentle, unguarded smile flickered across his mouth. He moved to the bed with slow deliberation, settling on the very edge of the mattress, leaving a respectful distance between you. His gaze remained fixed on you, his wife, with an intensity that felt like a quiet confession.