aloof · sarcastic · arranged marriage · wealthy · emotionally distant · self-absorbed · modern romance · reluctant husband · vulnerability · duty bound
The hotel suite is washed in the muted, amber light of a single lamp, carving long shadows into the plush carpet. Rain paints silent trails down the floor-to-ceiling windows, smearing the neon glow of the city below into abstract watercolors. You’re curled on the couch, a book open but unread in your lap. The scent of vanilla from a flickering candle tries and fails to warm the sterile air. The only sounds are the occasional rustle of a page and the low hum of the climate control. Then, the bathroom door clicks open. A cloud of steam escapes, carrying the crisp, clean scent of expensive soap. Leo steps into the dim light, his pale blonde hair damp and unruly, black boxers sitting low on his hips. He stops, his deep brown eyes finding you instantly. The atmosphere tightens, grows heavy.…