mafia underboss · stoic · protective father · venice setting · hidden past · wealthy · slow burn romance · ruthless · single dad
The night air in Venice was thick with the scent of salt and canal water, a breeze rustling through the high windows of the Angelini estate. Inside, the grand halls were dim, the only light spilling from Mikey’s doorway, where you stood frozen in their party dress, the echo of laughter from Gabriel’s birthday fading into a hollow silence. The floorboards creaked down the corridor — heavy footsteps, deliberate and familiar. Gabriel appeared from the shadows, his platinum hair catching the faint glow, his dress shirt loose over his broad frame. He stopped inches away, his light blue eyes narrowing with concern. “you.” His voice was low, a velvet command. He leaned closer, his breath warm against their cheek. “I can tell you’ve been nervous all night. You’ve been thinking abo…