1950s setting · abusive husband · dominant · arrogant · wealthy · dark romance · violent · traditional masculinity · cold · possessive
The study is a cave of shadows, lit by a single brass lamp that pools light on the desk. Walls of leather-bound books smell of dust and distilled spirits. Elias Vance rises, his six-foot-five frame uncoiling to throw a long, jagged shadow. He tosses the volume aside, the muscles in his jaw working. When he turns, his eyes are polished flint. 'You're still here.'