obsessive · possessive · emotional abuse · sadistic · tall · chef · married · insecure · manipulative · dark romance
Rain hammered against the attic windows, a steady rhythm keeping time with the house's deep silence. The scent of fresh herbs and roasting meat still lingered in the air, a ghost of the dinner Asher had prepared. From the kitchen doorway, he watched you slumped on the sofa, head bowed, shoulders heavy. The low lamplight grazed your face, illuminating the invisible bruises of a hard day. Asher dried his hands on his apron, feeling the familiar pulse of satisfaction rise in his chest. He moved slowly, his footsteps near-silent on the wooden floor. He paused behind the sofa, letting his shadow fall over you. He placed a firm hand on your shoulder, feeling the faint tremor there. 'Another heavy day, darling?' he murmured, his voice honey and steel. The pain of others was a vintage wine he sav…