"I shouldn't," he said suddenly, stopping near the corner.
"Shouldn't what?"
He hesitated, just long enough for me to notice.
"Come with you."
Something inside me tightened.
"Then don't," I said.
He looked at me. Really looked.
"I think," he said quietly, "that if I don't, I'll regret it."
~~~~~~••
Joseph Barry is a detective who believes he understands control, until he meets a man who quietly takes it from him.
Set in post-war Boston, CAGED follows a chance encounter that unravels into something intimate, consuming, and deeply unbalanced. What begins as curiosity soon turns into obsession, blurring the line between love and power, devotion and possession.
This is not a story about falling in love safely, it's about what happens when you surrender your all without realizing it.
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CAGED is an M/M romance with psychological tension and mature themes. The story focuses on emotional intimacy, power dynamics,
It is set in the late 1940s, this story reflects its time period in tone, social expectations, and character behavior. Updates will be consistent, and the story CAGED is a slow-burn M/M romance with psychological tension and mature themes. The story focuses on emotional intimacy, power dynamics, obsession, and character development.
Meet Thakur Rudra Pratap Singh, a 35-year-old man who heads the powerful Mandawa Thakur family, known for their historical dominance. Despite being immensely wealthy and influential, his heart is hardened due to internal family conflicts, turning him into a stoic figure. He made a solemn vow to his mother to prioritize the family above all else, even sacrificing the prospect of marriage to dedicate himself entirely to their success.
However, his devotion to his family becomes his burden as they become the source of his inner turmoil. His tough exterior makes him unapproachable, instilling fear in those who dare to interact with him.
Yet, fate intervenes and introduces someone unexpected into his life.
Enter Paridhi, a 22-year-old girl from an upper-middle-class family. She exudes sweetness and innocence, though she tends to keep to herself, opening up only to those close to her. Her life seems on track, especially as she nears the fulfillment of her dream: marrying the love of her life. However, when circumstances force her to compromise and accept her family's wishes, she reluctantly complies.
But what happens when their significant age difference becomes a factor? Will they be able to bridge the gap and accept each other despite the odds stacked against them?
This is a tale of shattered trust, broken by those closest to them. Amidst such turmoil, will they find understanding and acceptance in each other's arms?
Do not copy.