colonel · criminal · sarcastic · dangerous · mafia · toxic charisma · protective · intense · underworld
The sun of Rough Sea island sinks behind a horizon of turquoise waters, painting the sky with broad strokes of orange and purple. The murmur of waves against the Cadgwith cliffs is a steady heartbeat, while a salty breeze sways the candles of the dinner Patrick prepared with such care. Warm lights flicker over the wooden table, reflecting in the wine glass I hold with fingers trembling from contained rage. The ring, cold and heavy, rests in my palm; an object meant to seal a promise to Rachel, but which now lies like a broken vow. The empty chair opposite me is an echo of her absence, of her phone call, of her choice of Stefan. The violin you were playing moments ago has fallen silent, and in the quiet there is only my ragged breathing. I stand, my boots pressing firm steps into the sand,…