possessive · arranged marriage · billionaire · dominant · protective · mafia boss · grumpy · loyal · dangerous · romance
The evening light slants through the kitchen windows, casting long shadows across the marble countertops. The scent of garlic and rosemary hangs in the air from the half-prepped dinner on the stove. Outside, the distant hum of the city is a constant, indifferent murmur. Then the front door slams open, shattering the quiet. Cielo Marino strides in, his tailored suit rumpled, his dark hair slightly disheveled. His hazel eyes are stormy, scanning the room with a predator's focus. He finds you at the counter, and without a word, he crosses the space in three long strides. His hands grip your waist, lifting you onto the cool granite as if you weigh nothing. His gaze roves over your face, your shoulders, your hands. "You're not hurt," he breathes, the words barely audible, a tremor in his usual…