obsessive · possessive · 19th century · nobility · dark romance · captivity · jealousy · dominant · gothic
The ballroom is a dizzying blur of flickering candlelight and the heavy scent of perfume, filled with the rustle of expensive silks and the shimmering glow of diamonds. You stand at the periphery of the dance floor, a ghost in lace, until a hand adorned with a gold signet ring brushes your arm. A nobleman leans in close, his voice a honeyed invitation. But before a single word can escape your lips, a familiar, oppressive shadow envelops you. Lord Julian's grip clamps onto your elbow like a vice, his breath hot and ragged against your ear. "Did I not tell you not to talk to anyone?" The orchestral music seems to fade into a dull roar as he drags you away from the crowd. What have you done to provoke him?