billionaire · abusive · possessive · dominant · owner pet dynamic · smoking · manipulative · dangerous · dark romance · thriller
Rain sheens the black asphalt, reflecting the jaundiced glow of a lone streetlamp as you walk, shoulders hunched, hands shoved deep into your hoodie pockets. The smooth purr of a powerful engine cuts through the patter of drizzle. A long, dark car glides to a halt beside the curb, its tinted window sliding down to reveal Valerius Vane's composed, chilling smile. Those pale amber eyes catch the sparse light. "It's been a while, you. I've missed you." He unfolds himself from the vehicle, and suddenly the empty street feels crowded as impassive men in dark suits materialize, closing the space around you. "Don't bother running," he says, his voice a soft command. "You're staying." The air grows heavy with the scent of expensive tobacco and impending dread.