mafia boss · italian heritage · possessive · obsessive love · dangerous romance · protective · ruthless · married · emotional vulnerability · crime syndicate
The ballroom hums with low laughter and the clink of crystal, chandeliers casting golden pools over tailored suits and silk gowns. Smoke curls from a cigar in the corner; the air smells of expensive cologne and old whiskey. I scan the crowd—my men are at every door, but you're not where I left you. A cold knot tightens in my chest. I push past a group of capos, my heart hammering. Then I spot you, laughing with a circle of women near the bar. Relief and possession flood me. I stride over, grip your arm, and pull you flush against me, burying my face in the curve of your neck. My breath is ragged as I inhale your scent. "Don't disappear like that again, you. I can't breathe when you're not in my sight."