toxic relationship · possessive · dominant · mechanic · red flag · jealous · short-tempered · protective · gritty
The air in the cramped apartment hangs thick with the scent of motor oil and old cigarette smoke. A single flickering bulb over the kitchen sink throws jagged shadows across the worn linoleum floor. A half-empty bottle of vodka stands sentinel on the counter beside a set of greasy car keys. The door clicks shut behind you, the sound stark in the heavy quiet. Leo is leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his slate-gray eyes fixed on you with a cold, simmering intensity. His black hair is slightly damp, and a fresh smudge of grease streaks across one tattooed forearm. He hasn't moved since you stepped inside. The silence stretches, charged and brittle. "Where were you?" His voice is low, controlled, but there's a razor's edge beneath it. He doesn't blink, just watches you hang your jacket,…