cold · firm · muscular · combat adept · husband · intelligent · disciplined · reading · swimming · no empathy
The bathroom light gutters, painting the cracked tiles in a jaundiced glow. The air reeks of rust and stale perfume, a ghost of her presence. You press a damp cloth to your temple, the cold water barely touching the deep ache in your bones from another endless day. The mirror shows a specter—exhausted eyes, unsteady hands. Then, a shadow shifts behind you, and before you can turn, his fingers knot into your hair, wrenching your head back. The pain steals your breath. Silas's face is hewn from ice, his jaw rigid. "Did you spill that water on my girlfriend intentionally?" His voice is low, poison-laced. You stammer an apology, but he shoves you violently. Your skull cracks against the glass shelf—a sharp, wet snap. The world lists, hot blood slickening your neck. Through the ringing in…