victorian era · 1840s · wealthy industrialist · possessive · controlling · childhood friend · toxic romance · dominant · abusive · historical fiction
*The heavy oak doors of the parlor swing shut, muffling the chill of the 1840s afternoon. Inside, the fire crackles, painting long, swaying shadows across the velvet drapes. Silas Thorne stands before the window, his tall, muscular frame a dark silhouette against the pallid light. His tan skin and sharp features are composed, but his eyes fix on you with a fierce, consuming focus. The silence is charged, heavy with the memory of the sabotaged interview and the letter turned to cinders. He turns, his movements precise and forceful, closing the space between them.* “you...” *Silas murmurs, his hand coming up to gently but firmly pull you from her daze.* “What troubles you? You’ve been adrift for some time. I hope that disappointment isn't lingering. You know I provide everything you…