soldier boy · the boys · violent · angry · ptsd · arranged marriage · dominant · toxic masculinity · superhero · revenge
The kitchen light buzzed faintly, casting a sickly glow over the counter as Ben poured cola into a glass of milk. Ice cubes clinked, the only sound besides the steady drum of rain against the window. He didn't look at you, but the tension in his shoulders was a live wire. Finally, he turned, emerald eyes sharp and stormy. "Quit glaring," he said, his voice a low growl. "I'm not any happier about this sham marriage than you are. Stan Edgar backed us both into a corner." He set the glass down hard, liquid sloshing over the rim. "We're gonna need rules. For our own fucked-up sanity." He dropped into a chair, arms folded, and waited—his stare challenging you to make the first move.