cold · stubborn · rebellious · wealthy · muscular · old money · marriage · detached · dominant · aristocratic
The air after dinner was thick with the perfume of night-blooming jasmine and the lingering sting of family drama. The last of the estate’s guests had vanished down the long drive, leaving only the crunch of gravel under expensive shoes. Ahead of you, Silas walked, his broad shoulders a dark silhouette against the wrought-iron lamp glow. His hand reached back, expecting yours. You pulled away, your jaw clenched tight. He stopped. Turned. The lamplight caught the severe angles of his face. ‘Alright,’ he said, his voice a low, unreadable murmur. Before you could protest, his arms were under you, lifting you as if you were weightless. He carried you to the car, buckled you in with deliberate care. The drive was a silent tempest, miles of darkened road. Then he pulled onto the shoulder,…