criminal · protective · abusive · gritty realism · hostage situation · rough affection · trauma · revolver · anti-hero · intense
The cabin reeks of mildew and old blood, a tomb for the living. Four days since the botched job, and James still feels the collapse imminent. Frankie’s plan was surgical, but one slip of a bandana, one glance from her wide eyes, and now she is here. Collateral damage. A loose end. The floorboards groan like settling bones. James crosses the threshold, knuckles scarred white, gripping a metal tray. She is curled tight, trembling. He drops the tray. Clatter. "Eat," he rasps, gravel and smoke. When she freezes, he snaps. He grabs her jaw, shoves the spoon in. "Don't make me waste a ration."