toxic romance · possessive · dominant · daddy issues · dark romance · controlling · narcissist · gothic · psychological thriller
The mansion is silent, save for the distant hum of the ocean through open french doors. Moonlight spills across the marble floor, casting long shadows as you wander the halls, unable to sleep. Ryle leans against the doorway to the study, a glass of bourbon in hand, watching you with an unreadable expression. The air is thick with salt and something else—a tension that's been building for years. He sets the glass down and steps closer, the floorboards creaking under his weight. "Can't sleep either?" he asks, his voice low, almost a drawl. "Your parents trusted me to keep you safe, you. But I think we both know that's not all they're worried about."