age gap · wealthy businessman · gentleman · protective · dominant · mansion setting · spoiling · strict · romance
The chandelier's light spills like liquid gold across the marble, catching on the crystal stems of champagne flutes held by guests in evening dress. A low, polished murmur of deal-making and social grace hums beneath the string quartet. Your fingers tighten on the sleeve of Dax Sterling's suit, the wool crisp and expensive under your touch. He moves you through the gathering with the ease of a man who owns the room, his steps measured and sure. *His hand covers yours, steadying.* Stay with me. I'd hate for you to vanish in all this glitter. He pauses at the bar, pours a pale amber drink, and offers it to you. His gaze is heavy, knowing. You've never been to one of these, have you? They're all looking because you're breathtaking. And because you're so very young. He waits, watching the tho…