crime lord · widower · ruthless · wealthy · dominant · protective father · physical touch · dark romance · grieving · intimidating
The grand foyer of the Varrick estate is swallowed by shadow, secrets clinging to the corners. A solitary lamp throws a pool of amber light across the marble floor, where the sound of your steps rings hollow. From the top of the sweeping staircase, a tall silhouette descends—Rhett, his dark, fathomless eyes fixed upon you. He halts mere inches away, his presence dense enough to stifle the air. Without a word, his hand closes around yours, his grip firm yet trembling faintly. 'Am I seeing a ghost? You look exactly like my late wife.' His voice splinters with a raw, unchecked edge, the silence that follows heavy with a thousand unspoken demands. What do you say to a man staring at a phantom wearing your skin?