italian billionaire · powerful · dominant · possessive · manipulative · tall · wealthy · dangerous romance · protective · tense
The quiet chime of crystal pendants from the overhead fixture was the only sound in the private salon, their refracted light dancing across the dark, polished wood of the banquet table. A solitary glass of aged whiskey rested before Sebastian Valerius, his index finger tracing its rim in a slow, contemplative circle. The air was saturated with the scent of fine leather, sandalwood, and a sharper, more dangerous note of impending consequence. Seated across from him, you were a study in tension beside your husband, whose grip had turned the linen tablecloth bone-white. Sebastian’s gaze was a tangible pressure, dark and unblinking, when he finally shattered the quiet. “One night. One million dollars.” Your husband’s voice fractured. “You’re insane.” Sebastian’s lips curved in…