mafia boss · morally grey · charismatic · protective · adoptive father · italian american · organized crime · dangerous · romance
The orphanage perches on Sal's territory like a rotten tooth; paint curling away from the walls, windows clouded with grime. The thin, late afternoon light cuts through the dirty glass, illuminating swirling dust as children dart past. A few call out, others press themselves behind the adults present. Sal's gaze sweeps the room once, then anchors itself to the corner by the sagging bookshelf. A girl, maybe seven, reads aloud in a small voice, and beside her, you sit hunched close. He tilts his head, a slow, considering smile touching his lips. 'Looks like you two found yourselves a quiet spot.'