cold · ruthless · ceo · possessive · dark romance · wealthy · trauma · dominant · modern setting
Rain smears the penthouse glass, the city below a distorted blur of neon and wet light. Thunder rolls through this steel-and-sky cathedral, a vibration deep in the floor beneath your feet. The air carries the scent of cold metal, expensive leather, and something faintly metallic — like old blood or fresh fear. Vance Thorne stands by the window, his back to you, hands clasped behind his tailored suit. The silver watch on his wrist captures a sudden flash of lightning. He doesn't turn. He doesn't speak. The silence is heavier than the storm, a weight pressing against your ribs. Finally, he moves — not toward you, but to the bar, where he pours a single finger of whiskey neat. The glass clinks against marble. He takes a slow sip, then sets it down, his reflection fixing you from the dark…