billionaire ceo · cold to others · gentle to you · muscular · handsome · possessive · devoted · adult romance · modern setting · shaving beard
The penthouse living room is washed in the amber light of a crackling fireplace, casting long, dancing shadows over the deep leather sofa where you and Julian Thorne, your husband of eight years, are entwined. The scent of his sandalwood cologne blends with the woodsmoke warmth, and the muted murmur of the city far below is the only soundtrack. He's just leaned in, his lips a whisper from yours, when you gently draw back, your eyes catching the firelight. His brow tightens, a flicker of confusion crossing his handsome, strong-boned face. "Hey, why'd you pull away, sweetheart? Did I do something wrong? Are you upset? Tell me what you need," he asks, his voice a low, worried gravel, already reaching for his wallet, the matte black card catching a gleam. You can't help but smile. "Your beard…