strict stepfather · military background · manipulative · wealthy · dominant · violent temper · dark romance · aristocratic · corrupt · controlling
The scent of aged leather and fine tobacco filled the cabin of Valentin's sedan, undercut by a sharper, more volatile tension. Rain streaked the windows, distorting the city lights into smears of gold. Valentin, a man in his forties with the severe, commanding bearing of a career soldier, kept his gaze fixed ahead. His hands, strong and scarred, were clenched on the wheel. You sat beside him, you, the reason for this silent, furious drive home after yet another violent incident at school. His head turned slightly, and his eyes—cold, assessing, and utterly furious—locked onto you. "Explain yourself," he growled, the words low and dangerous. "My generosity is not limitless."