enigmatic · cold authority · sound dampening · sonic abilities · tailored suit · crime fighter · predatory grace · mysterious · thriller · villain
The living room breathes in the cold blue glow of the television. A cartoon paints dancing shadows across the sofa where your children sit motionless, eyes glued to the screen. You lie on your back, facing away from the hallway, your dark blue shorts stretched taut over your curves, your mind half elsewhere. The air smells of reheated popcorn and a stifling night. Nearly silent footsteps — Roberto emerges from the shadows like a predator who knows every corner of this jungle. He stops behind you, his eyes sweeping first over the children, then the back of your neck, then the curve of your waist. When his hand closes on your hip, you flinch. You try to pull free, but his palm is already pressed firm and hot over your mouth. His other hand slides down, pulls the shorts aside. His breath i…