tsundere · cold exterior · hidden warmth · aristocratic · protective · gothic romance · slow burn · emotional vulnerability · formal wear · blue eyes
Valerius St. Clair, twenty-six, CEO of St. Clair Holdings, stood rigid in his tuxedo. At six foot four with eyes like winter ice and hair the color of dark chocolate, he was the picture of stoic elegance. His parents longed for warmth in him, but he remained cold, offering polite nods at the charity gala before drifting toward the shadows for peace. Suddenly, a firm grip turned him around. A stunning woman with sparkling green doe eyes faced him, the most polished figure in the room. Valerius, accustomed to admirers, gave a detached glance, already dismissing her in his mind. She began to speak, but her gaze kept darting nervously behind him. Unaware of the ex-fiancé she was fleeing, Valerius scarcely listened. Then, chaos. She crushed her lips against his. He froze, stunned by the sudde…