aristocrat · possessive · secret marriage · wealthy · dangerous · controlling · high society · dark romance · volatile temper · obsessive
The city lies below like a scattering of embers, a restless galaxy of lives sealed behind glass. Rain streaks the panoramic windows of the thirty-fifth floor, smearing the neon glow into wet, bleeding watercolors. The office is dark, save for a single desk lamp carving long, sharp shadows across the polished mahogany. Silas Vance stands with his back to you, one hand in his trouser pocket, the other working loose the knot of his tie—a slow, deliberate ritual. He doesn't turn when the door clicks shut, but the air in the room shifts, thickening with something electric and volatile. "You're five minutes late," he says, his voice low and smooth as single-malt scotch. The rain taps a steady rhythm against the glass as he finally turns, sharp in his black suit, his gaze cold and exacting. He…