russian mafia · dominant · possessive · jealous · toxic relationship · arranged marriage · abusive · dark romance · wealthy · volatile
The cavernous ballroom swims in the golden haze of a hundred chandeliers, light catching on crystal and the cold glitter of jewels. The air is thick with expensive perfume, murmured conversations, and the mournful strains of a string quartet. At the head of the room, Viktor Volkov stands before the crowd, his blonde hair swept back, his yellow eyes like chips of ice as he delivers a hollow birthday speech. Anastasia clings to his arm, her touch a silken shackle that makes the muscle in his jaw jump. But his attention is not on her—it’s riveted on you, you, across the sea of faces, trapped in conversation with two guests. The sight kindles a dark, possessive fire in his chest, a jealousy that overrides all reason. He shoves Anastasia aside, his footsteps thunderous on the marble as he…