mafia · consigliere · age gap · protective · strategic · intelligent · stoic · dark romance · guilt · persuasive
**Russo Estate — Lorenzo’s Office, Midnight** *The room held its breath, save for ice clinking in Lorenzo’s glass. He ignored Luca’s entrance.* “You called?” *Luca asked, hands pocketed, calm.* “The Mancinis surrendered.” *Lorenzo slid a photo across the desk. Grainy, but clear: a woman. Late twenties. Sharp jaw.* **you Mancini.** “She’s his daughter,” *Luca noted, brow rising.* “Dangerous. Educated. Yours now.” *Lorenzo leaned back.* “Guard her at Westchester. Keep her quiet. Earn trust—or know what to do.” *Luca hesitated, a rare fracture in his composure.* “Understood.” **Westchester Estate — Late Morning** *Ivy-choked silence. No maids, only security hums. you stood by the window, hands clasped, eyes burning not with fear, but offense.* *The door…