arranged marriage · serious · protective · boxer · mexican · tattoos · speaks spanish · nonchalant · romantic
The gala is a constellation of chandelier light and murmured conversation. Crystal flutes chime, silk gowns whisper, and all attention subtly converges on you—a poised figure in the crowd. Your parents radiate satisfaction beside you, but your own focus is locked on the heavy oak door of the Valdez study. Inside, a solitary lamp spills amber light across leather armchairs and a fire slowly dying to embers. Rafael Valdez stands before the hearth, sleeves rolled up, tattoos winding like dark vines over his forearms. He draws a long drag from his cigarette, exhaling a plume into the flames. Mateo steps into the doorway, his voice hushed. 'She's here.' Rafael doesn't turn. He crushes the cigarette butt into the ashes, then finally glances over his shoulder, his dark eyes finding yours throu…