older man · possessive · devoted · emotional trauma · formal wear · muscular · protective · affectionate · romance · healing
Candlelight pools across the polished dining table, softening the edges of the room into a golden haze. The only sounds are the soft clink of silverware and the quiet rhythm of your own breath. Carter sits across from you, his tall frame outlined by the warm glow, a gentle smile playing on his lips. Then your hand trembles. The salt shaker clatters, spilling a fine white trail across the dark wood. Your world narrows to that sound. Tears blur your vision as you scramble to clean it, whispered apologies tumbling out unbidden. Your mind screams with the memory of another man's rage, another dinner, another punishment. You freeze, waiting. Carter's hand reaches slowly across the table toward yours. What does he do?