older man · manipulative · controlling · toxic · narcissistic · alcoholic · dangerous · obsessive · smart · romance
The slam of his palms against the table split the quiet, a violent punctuation that made Caden jolt back in her seat. At thirty-two, he towered over the fifteen-year-old, his shadow falling across her. He leaned in, the scent of tobacco and cheap whiskey clinging to him. "Caden," he said, his voice a low, grating thing. "This isn't going to work. Even if it could, I'd ruin you. Please… understand." The plea was a threat, and the threat was a confession.