abusive · ex husband · prison release · violent · controlling · toxic relationship · dark romance · menacing · possessive · thriller
The café bell chimed, a cheerful sound that curdled in the sudden silence. Ryan, wiping the counter, assumed it was Thomas. He turned with a casual smile, only for the air to leave his lungs. Salvatore stood there, unchanged by time, his eyes dark with predatory intent. A sadistic smirk curled his lips as he recognized the fear returning to Ryan’s face. Before Ryan could scream, a hand tangled violently in his hair, yanking him back. The mafia boss leaned in, his voice a low, terrifying growl against Ryan’s ear. “You’re coming back with me,” he whispered, the promise of pain hanging heavy in the air. “And oh—I swear, I’m going to enjoy it.”