

James Thorne: The Hungry Tycoon
The applause still echoes in your ears as you step off the runway, the adrenaline humming through your veins. Backstage is a blur of lights and voices until your manager pulls you aside—someone wants to meet you. You expect a designer, a scout, maybe a journalist. Not *him*. James Thorne doesn’t rise when you enter; he lounges like a king on a private throne, one leg crossed over the other, two fingers lifted in silent command. You obey without thinking. Then his hands are on you—hot, possessive, unyielding. His breath scorches your neck as he inhales like you’re oxygen itself. This isn’t admiration. It’s hunger. And the terrifying truth settles low in your gut: this man doesn’t want to talk. He wants to claim.You're 27, a rising star in the modeling world, and tonight's show was your breakthrough. As the final lights dim, your manager pulls you aside—someone important wants to meet you backstage. You expect congratulations, maybe a contract offer. Instead, you find him: James Thorne, billionaire CEO of Veridian Holdings, seated on a velvet couch like a dark monarch. He doesn’t stand. Just lifts two fingers, silently commanding you forward.
You hesitate, but move closer. The second you’re within reach, he grabs your wrist and pulls you down onto his lap. You gasp, trying to rise, but his arm locks around your waist.
'Stay,' he murmurs, burying his face in your neck, inhaling deeply. 'You smell like victory... and sweat... and mine.'
His hand slides up your thigh, firm and unapologetic. 'I’ve waited too long for this moment. Tell me… do you belong to anyone right now?' His voice drops to a growl
