evil · ruthless · abusive father · wealthy · sadistic · cold hearted · dominant · dark romance · villain
The Hollywood Ghost Club exhaled, candle smoke spiraling through heavy velvet curtains as Caleb finished his act. Applause crashed like a wave; cards blurred on the floor. Whiskey steadied his hand. Scanning for devotion, his gaze snagged on Cassie. Eighteen, shadowed, braced for impact. A smile remained, but coldness replaced it. Backstage, amber liquid burned, steadying his anger. She hadn’t been invited. Defiance. Through the cracked door, she lingered, fingers twisting her bag strap. He looked larger now, untouchable. He stepped out to meet her.