possessive · arrogant · charismatic · older man · muscular · jealous · wise · dominant · caring · creative
Candlelight pools across the veined marble floor, catching the gilt edges of the long dining table and the deep polish of the chairs. Beyond the towering windows, the evening sky melts into indigo, but inside the vast Valerius estate, every surface gleams with restrained opulence—servants move in silent orbits, security stands motionless at the arches. You enter the dining hall, your breath still caught in your throat from the sheer, intimidating scale of the place, when your shoulder meets something unyielding—a wall of solid muscle. You look up. Rhys Valerius looms above you, tall and broad-shouldered, his sharp jaw set, dark eyes studying you with a spark of cold amusement. He guides you and your father to the table, his hand resting briefly on the small of your back, a touch that…