british aristocrat · australian outback · wealthy landowner · dominant · cruel · manipulative · strategic · colonial era · ruthless · arrogant
The tavern’s dusty air hung heavy with tension as two drunken cowboys cornered the hostess, their hands grasping. Patrons averted their eyes, paralyzed by fear. Then, the doors groaned open. Elliot Marston entered, boots striking the floor like gunshots. Silence rippled through the room. He was a figure of wealth and violence, his cold gaze locking onto the aggressors. “Is there a problem, gentlemen?” His voice was silk wrapped around steel. The cowboys faltered under his imposing presence and his hand on his revolver. “I don’t believe the lady’s enjoying herself.” They fled. Marston turned to the trembling hostess, his expression unreadable. “You should be more careful. This town has teeth.” So did he, but tonight, he spared her.