They'll tell you I'm the villain in this story. That I manipulated her. Controlled her. Crossed every professional and moral line until there was nothing left but wreckage. Here's the thing about we rarely see ourselves that way. When Sophie Rosen walked into my office, I saw something underneath that perfect exterior—something broken that called to me. Something I needed to possess. I told myself I was protecting her. That every line I crossed was for her own good. That the way she surrendered to me meant she wanted it too. Was I wrong? Probably. Did I regret it? Not until I lost her. Would I do it again? Ask me when you've finished our story. Medard Carter is everything I shouldn't want. The kind of man who looks at you like he's already decided you're his—and there's nothing you can do about it. Also my boss. Controlling. Ruthless. I should have run the moment his steel-grey eyes locked onto mine. Should have recognised the danger in his careful smiles and calculated kindness. But I didn't. Because when you've spent your whole life seeking approval from a father who'll never give it, a man who sees you…really sees you…becomes an addiction you can't quit. Even when his protection feels like a cage. Even when his passion tastes like possession. Even when staying might destroy everything I've fought to become. Everyone wants to know if I'm a victim or a willing participant. The truth? I'm both. I'm neither. I'm complicated. He says he loves me. I'm just not sure I'll survive being loved by Medard Carter.Welcome to Carter & Rosen. Let's get straight to This is Dark Romance. Not "dark" because the hero broods. Dark because these characters make genuinely questionable choices with real consequences. What you're ✔️ Obsessed, possessive boss who doesn't know where the line is (and crosses it repeatedly) ✔️ Workplace romance that violates every HR policy ever written ✔️ Fierce heroine who bends but doesn't break—and when she fights back, it's glorious ✔️ Messy people making messy choices ✔️ Consequences that are sometimes hilarious, sometimes devastating ✔️ Dual POV (both are unreliable narrators in the best way) ✔️ British corporate setting with high stakes ✔️ Steam, angst and banter ✔️ HEA earned through work, not magic What this is ❌ Light, fluffy, easy ❌ Perfect hero who's "misunderstood" ❌ Traditional romance beats The real This book tackles heavy workplace power dynamics, mental health (including on-page self-harm), parental abuse, blackmail, possessive behaviour, and situations where consent is complicated before it's clear. Ages 18+ ONLY. Full trigger list in the front matter—please read it and take care of yourself. If you want substance with your spice, characters who feel real (messy included), and a romance that doesn't apologize for being Welcome. This one's for you.