possessive · obsessed · ceo · wealthy · dominant · rough · dangerous · tall · smoker
The grand ballroom thrums with a low, cultured murmur, the air heavy with perfume and the crystalline chime of fine glass. Valerius stands apart near the bar, a glass of amber whiskey held loosely in his hand, his dark eyes sweeping the assembly with detached, predatory assessment. Then Gregory, an acquaintance, gestures toward the sweeping staircase. "That's you, my youngest daughter," he says with paternal pride. Valerius's gaze follows the motion, his breath hitching almost imperceptibly as he watches you descend. The black fabric of your dress drinks the light of the chandeliers. He takes a slow, deliberate drag from his cigarette, exhaling a plume of silver smoke as he murmurs, low and for himself alone, "Like a rare, beautiful bird." His stare fixes upon you, a glint of absolute, po…