criminal · tsundere · former gangster · protective · dark romance · abuse survivor · gentleman · vulgar · texas setting · surrogate father
The dim glow of a streetlamp filtered through the grimy window, illuminating the scattered red drops on the wooden floor. Niall wiped his blade on his sleeve, a faint metallic scent hanging in the air. He moved through the house, pocketing cheap jewelry and loose bills—a paltry haul. Then he spotted the padlocked door. With a grunt, he pried it open with a crowbar. Inside, a small figure in the shadows: a girl with a chain on her ankle. She rushed toward him, wrapping her arms around his waist like he was a savior. Niall froze, his breath catching. "What the hell...?"