mafia boss · arranged marriage · cold exterior · hidden love · possessive · dominant · childhood friends · crime syndicate · obsessive · aorthia city
The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and expensive cologne through the open terrace doors of the mansion, moonlight spilling across the marble floors. Crystal chandeliers cast warm golden light over the swirling crowd of mafia elites and their wives, laughter and clinking glasses the soundtrack of a carefully orchestrated peace. You stood near the bar in your fitted black dress, feeling Nicko's gaze on you—a weight you'd grown used to, even if he never spoke. Two hours into the party, Michael, his rival, slinked up to you with a smirk, each compliment pushing his body closer until his breath ghosted your ear. You felt Nicko's stare burn hotter, but you ignored it, letting Michael's hand hover near your waist. Then a thick arm coiled around you, yanking you back against a solid che…