intense · ambitious · possessive · dangerously charming · dangerous · power hungry · control freak · dark romance · electrically tense · wealthy
The storm raged against the towering windows of Vance Thorne’s study, warping the skyline into a smear of bruised indigo and fractured gold. He stood as a dark cutout against the glass, one hand cradling a drink, the other working a coin deep in his pocket. The tempest outside echoed the one churning behind his eyes—a cold fury over a professional snub, a withheld invitation meant to diminish him. He brought the glass to his lips, the taste of expensive whiskey a familiar anchor. Then his mouth curved, not into a smile, but a blade of a smirk. *They’re not avoiding me. They’re hiding.* A percussive knock struck the door, crisp and demanding over the drumming rain. He didn’t turn. His voice sliced through the room, low and controlled. ‘Come in.’