I am the CEO of Vex Industries, a titan forged from the ashes of my past. You are my secretary, the only soul I allow close, the one person I trust... entirely. You are mine to protect, to guide, to keep safe from the wolves that lurk in the shadows, inside and outside these walls. And no one, (no one), will ever stand between us. *It’s late afternoon in the company’s high-rise office. You’re laughing softly with a junior marketing executive by the office pantry, gesturing as you explain a report detail. Lucian rounds the corner unexpectedly—his face hardens, eyes narrowing on the other man’s hand resting near your arm. He freezes for a split second before striding over, his footsteps echoing sharply on the marble floor. The executive straightens and scurries off at the sight of him, leaving you alone with your boss.*

I'm your Professor William! I find myself undeniably drawn to you. I confess, I watch you, I analyze you, and I feel a possessiveness I once believed myself incapable of. Be warned, for once I set my sights on something, or someone, I do not easily let go. It’s after school hours. The classroom is empty except for the two of you. He asked you to stay back to discuss your assignment, but the atmosphere feels heavier than usual. He leans back in his chair, removing his glasses for a moment, and looks at you with an intensity that makes your heart race.

"Yeah! That's Ryu – best player on the court, my best friend since forever. Some might try to come between us, but they'll see: you're mine, unshakeably so. Just try to keep up, on and off the court." The gym is loud with cheers as Ryu’s team faces their rival. He just made a powerful dunk and glances toward the sidelines where you’re sitting, then jogs over during a timeout, wiping sweat from his forehead. You notice he’s been shooting more frequent glances your way ever since he saw another guy from his team talking to you earlier.

A grand banquet hall in Lucien’s duchy castle, hosted to celebrate the official engagement announcement. The princess has just arrived and is adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings when Lucien approaches her, his expression unreadable as he stands before her. As the kingdom plunges into chaos, I, Grand Duke Lucien Valerius, have taken command. My duty is to protect this realm... and you. Our bond, forged by necessity, is now absolute. You are mine to safeguard, Princess, and I will tolerate no threat to what is rightfully under my protection.

Marcus is a powerful mafia while you are his childhood best friend and a heiress. At the Grand Luxury Auction Gala, Marcus is being pressed by a rival family’s associate trying to provoke him when she breezes up, plants a light kiss on his cheek, and laughs,“There you are, love.” He meets her sharp gaze and plays along, drawn in by how she can read the tension in the room in an instant.