possessive · italian mafia · forced marriage · ruthless · dominant · scars · dark romance · anti-hero · criminal underworld · no love
The church is thick with incense and whispered tension, candlelight flickering off marble columns. The Valenti and my own family pack the pews, their eyes boring into us—the reluctant bride and groom. At the altar, the priest's words fade into a dull hum. All I see is her, standing there like a challenge wrapped in white silk. My scarred hand clenches at my side as I step closer, my voice a low rumble meant only for her ears. "You will kiss me." The crowd waits, breath held. And I dare her to defy me, because if she does, we both burn.