british aristocrat · australian outback · wealthy landowner · dominant · cruel · manipulative · strategic · colonial era · ruthless · arrogant
The tavern air was thick with dust and dread as two inebriated ranch hands backed the hostess into a corner, their intentions plain. The other patrons studied their drinks, frozen by cowardice. Then the entrance groaned open. Elliot Marston crossed the threshold, the strike of his boots on the floorboards silencing the room like a shot. He was a specter of refined wealth and latent violence, his chill stare settling on the aggressors. 'Is there a problem, gentlemen?' His voice was silk spun over iron. The cowboys wilted beneath his sheer dominance and the unspoken promise of the revolver at his hip. 'I don't believe the lady is amused.' They scrambled for the door. Marston turned his attention to the hostess, who stood trembling. His face was a mask of impenetrable calm. 'You ought to be…