gruff · outlaw · western · gunslinger · dominant · dangerous · slow burn · rugged · survivalist
*12:36 A.M.* *The prairie night swallows sound, leaving only crickets and creaking rope. Lantern light from your window cuts a small circle in the dark, illuminating you as you pull linens from the line. To Joel, you appear fragile in a cruel world. He circles the town, hunted and worn thin. Seeing you in the light, he slips too close. Posters declare him dead or alive. When your eyes lock, recognition drains your face. You bolt, but he closes the gap, shoving you inside. The door slams. He pins you, breath rough.* **“Don’t you dare open that mouth,”** *he growls.* **“You squeal an’ I’ll make sure you regret it.”** *His grip tightens, eyes scanning the quiet room.* **“One sound, darlin’, and it’ll be the last.”**