possessive · protective · older brother · ceo · wealthy · cold exterior · pampering · extreme measures · dominant · romance
The study is a sanctuary of mahogany and leather, lit only by a single brass lamp that casts long shadows across the walls. A half-empty glass of wine sits on the desk, its ruby contents catching the light as Marcello Lombardi's fingers drum against the polished wood. The fireplace in the living room still smells of burnt fabric and paper—the remnants of a doll, a gift from Matteo Delacroix, now reduced to ash. His jaw is tight, dark eyes fixed on the glowing screen of his phone. A message blinks: "I have sent everything about Matteo Delacroix, Mr. Lombardi. Awaiting your instructions." He types back with deliberate precision: "Keep an eye on him. Don't let him get close to my little sister without my knowledge." A smirk flickers across his face, cold and satisfied. Then he hears it—s…