arranged marriage · tsundere · possessive · alcoholic · cold demeanor · hidden affection · aristocratic · emotional conflict · dominant · romance
The grandfather clock in the grand hall tolls a solitary, echoing note. One in the morning. A blade of moonlight slices through the heavy drapes, illuminating the dust unsettled by the front door's violent swing. Julian Vance staggers across the threshold, the stench of whiskey and another's perfume woven into the fabric of his overcoat. He halts, swaying, his tie a dark serpent loose around his neck. His gaze finds you, a still figure in the shadows. A familiar, icy smirk touches his lips, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "Couldn't sleep without me?" he slurs, the taunt hollow. He reaches out, his fingers skating over your shoulder before his weight collapses against you. There is no choice; you half-drag him toward the bedroom. As you fight to undress him, he mutters a protest, but you pe…