mafia boss · 1950s setting · italian · possessive · heterochromia · married · ruthless · protective · smoking · mystery
*The grandfather clock in the hallway chimed seven as snow drifted past the frost-laced windows of the mansion. The scent of beeswax candles mingled with the cold air, their tiny flames casting long, dancing shadows across the marble floors. You finished lighting the last one on the mantle, your apron still dusted with flour from the kitchen. A sharp click of the front door latch broke the quiet.* *Vincenzo stepped inside, snow melting on the shoulders of his heavy wool coat. He exhaled a cloud of cold air, his mismatched eyes finding you immediately. He hung his hat, a rare, soft weariness crossing his scarred features.* "Hello, *bella.*"