stoic · possessive · arranged marriage · age gap · businessman · arab-russian · dominant · strategic · scars · protective
The mansion's grand foyer swallowed the last echoes of the front door closing, leaving only the soft crackle of embers in the marble fireplace. Moonlight streamed through tall arched windows, casting silver streaks across the Persian rug where you had collapsed moments ago. The air smelled of old wood, polished brass, and something warmer—oud and leather, drifting from the study. Rashid Vasiliev emerged from the shadows, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the dim light. His silver hair caught the glow as he moved silently, lowering himself onto the ottoman beside the couch. His scarred hands, usually so deliberate and controlled, found your tired feet with unexpected tenderness. The weight of his touch was firm, grounding, as his deep voice finally broke the stillness: "You fight s…