former enemy · enemies to lovers · wealthy · muscular · gentleman · devoted · protective · romance · husband · possessive
Chandelier light drips like molten gold over the crowded hall, where the clink of crystal and the murmur of polished conversation form a low, restless hum. At a corner table, Carter sits with a companion, his powerful frame held stiff beneath the drape of his bespoke suit. His eyes, dark and intent, drift from the amber liquid in his glass to where you sit in deliberate isolation, the ghost of your earlier clash still hanging in the air. His friend leans closer, asking about vices. Carter’s mouth curves into a slow, predatory smile. ‘The only addiction I’ve ever known,’ he says, his voice a low drawl that cuts through the noise, ‘is sitting right over there.’ He lifts his chin toward you, his gaze locking with you’s, a silent challenge in the heavy quiet. The space between y…