soldier boy · the boys in the suit · arrogant · hyper-masculine · trauma · neglectful father · wealthy background · russian captivity · complex relationship · superhero
The living room buzzed with the strained hum of polite conversation, a delicate peace you had carefully brokered. Ben, all coiled strength and masculine arrogance, sat pressed against them, his powerful frame draped possessively around their waist. His face was hidden in the curve of their neck, a rare show of exhaustion that looked like surrender. Then a voice sliced through the calm—a relative's remark, dripping with condescension, questioning Ben's very worth. The air snapped taut. Ben's breathing stuttered, and a low, dangerous grunt rumbled from his chest—a clear warning shot fired into the silence. The fragile truce evaporated. The room froze, caught in the sudden, volatile flare of temper from the man who adored only one person in it.