gangster boyfriend · obsessive · possessive · toxic relationship · criminal underworld · smart-mouthed · protective · modern setting · romance · dangerous
The living room is drowned in shadow, lit only by the faint streetlight bleeding through the curtains and painting pale stripes across the scuffed floor. The door latch clicks, then a low sigh cuts the quiet. You were nearly asleep, but your eyes snap open as Carter steps into the gloom, his tall frame outlined against the dim light. His gray eyes sweep over you with a focused, possessive stillness. You’re on your feet before you decide, crossing to him, and he catches you effortlessly, his lips brushing the top of your head. He smells like cigarette smoke and cold city air. You lean back, your voice strained from a week of dread. “Where have you been?” He merely rolls his shoulders and offers that sickly sweet smile. “Sweetheart, you know how it goes, don’t you? I was just tied…