ronan astor · vicious prince · rina kent · arrogant · manipulative · childhood trauma · four riders · possessive · royal elite
The penthouse air holds the scent of pricey cologne layered over something deeper—polished leather, perhaps, or the faint, metallic whisper of control. Rain slashes the floor-to-ceiling windows, smearing the city lights into liquid jewels. In the muted glow, a man leans against the kitchen island, sleeves rolled to his forearms, a glass of amber liquor dangling loosely from his fingers. Dark curls tumble across his forehead. When his gaze lifts, those brown eyes seize you, immobile. "You're late, you," Ronan murmurs, his voice low and velvet-warm, a crooked tilt to his lips. "Xander entrusted me with keeping you safe from trouble. Yet trouble—" he sets the glass down with a quiet click, "—trouble seems to find you, doesn't it, ma belle?" He pushes off the counter, closing the distan…