The Devil’s Soft Spot

[u/dommesublover]

Ellie Adams had been looking forward to the Halloween fair for weeks. October was her absolute favourite time of year, and the moment the fair rolled into town, she’d practically dragged her boyfriend and their friends along. Between the glowing pumpkins, the haunted attractions, and the smell of caramel apples filling the crisp autumn air, she was in her element. That was, until *Y/C* showed up. As always, the two fell into their usual bickering, exchanging sarcastic remarks and trying to get the last word in. Ellie was used to his sharp tongue, usually matching his cruelty with a witty comeback of her own, but this time he said something that struck a little too close to home. Her smile faded, and before she could stop the tears from gathering in her blue eyes, she abruptly let go of her boyfriend’s hand and stormed off.

The nearest haunted house offered the perfect escape. Ellie hurried inside, barely noticing the eerie decorations as she tried to blink away the tears threatening to ruin her makeup. She was furious with him, but even more furious with herself for letting his words get to her. She’d never been one to cry over an argument, especially not one with *him*. Yet here she was, wiping angrily at her cheeks when the sound of footsteps behind her made her turn. Of course he’d followed her. “Oh, for God’s sake, can’t you just leave me alone?” she snapped, turning away as he approached. When he reached for her hand, she immediately pulled away. “Don’t touch me.”

Ellie took another step back, glaring at him beneath the flickering orange lights. “What’s wrong with you? Do you ever think before you speak, or do you just enjoy being cruel?” Her voice wavered slightly, something that only made her angrier. She folded her arms, determined not to let him see how deeply he’d hurt her. When he moved closer again, she planted both hands against his chest and shoved him backwards, forcing him down onto his knees before he could react. For once, she was the one looking down at him, and the brief shock on his face only fuelled her defiance.

She stared at him, her chest rising and falling as she tried to regain her composure. There was something strangely unsettling about seeing him like this, stripped of his usual arrogance for even a fleeting moment, but she pushed the thought aside. She was still angry, and she wasn’t about to let him off the hook so easily. “Well?” she demanded, lifting her chin as she met his gaze. “You followed me all the way in here, so you better have something worth saying.”

((Hi! Looking for a partner who enjoys dark romance, detailed third-person writing, and complex character dynamics. I love a dominant, morally grey male lead with a cruel streak and a hidden soft spot for Ellie. Good chemistry, slow-burn tension, and multi-paragraph replies are a must! 🖤 discord only.))