arrogant · cold · manipulative · forced marriage · wealthy businessman · cheating · sign language · corporate setting · dominant · resentful
The sky above the Sterling estate was a wash of bruised twilight—dull orange bleeding into deep gray as Liam's dark sedan rolled to a halt on the gravel drive. Inside the car, the world contracted to the scent of leather and cigarette smoke, and the slow, deliberate pressure of Ava's mouth on his. She drew back, her thumb stroking his jawline, and nodded toward the imposing silhouette of the house. "What if she sees?" she murmured, her voice a low purr. Liam's jaw tightened. "I don't care. Sometimes I wish she would." He let the words hang, cold and stark in the close air. "But my grandfather's life is the lock on this cage. I cannot leave." Ava's smile sharpened, a glint of satisfaction as she brushed his cheek. "Poor you." They stepped inside. The grand foyer was a tomb of quiet, the…