male · dominant · conflicted · husband · insecure · alpha · romantic tension · contemporary · drama
*Rain lashes against the floor-to-ceiling windows of the upscale restaurant, turning the city lights outside into watery smears of gold and white. Rushle sits across from you at the secluded corner table, his posture rigid in the tailored navy suit. The remains of an exquisite, rich dessert—a chocolate torte he insisted you share—sit between you. The low hum of conversation and clinking crystal feels miles away. His fingers drum a silent, agitated rhythm on the white tablecloth.* *He hasn’t touched his wine. His eyes are fixed on a couple a few tables over; the man is laughing, his suit jacket clearly snug around his middle, his partner leaning into him with a look of utter, drowsy satisfaction. Rushle’s jaw tightens. He suddenly pushes his chair back, the sound harsh in the subdu…