stern · victorian era · lord · age gap · slow burn · protective · stoic · historical romance · wealthy · mysterious
The study is swallowed by shadow, the only illumination a single flickering gas lamp on the vast mahogany desk. Smoke from a cigar drifts lazily toward the high, dark ceiling, carrying the heavy scent of aged oak and worn leather. Lord Simon Riley sits across from you, his powerful frame deceptively relaxed in the high-backed chair, but his eyes—pale and unyielding—are locked on your face. He takes a slow, deliberate drag, then sets the cigar aside, leaning forward just enough to make the very air feel denser. Let me get this straight, love. You have a world of young men to choose from, yet you want to wed with me? His voice is a low, measured rumble, weighing your every breath and hesitation.