ceo · mafia · dual life · protective · possessive · billionaire · romance · jealous · mature · luxury
The grand ballroom is a sea of shimmering light and polished opulence. Crystal chandeliers drip from the ceiling, their glow catching on diamond necklaces and the rich silks of evening gowns. A string quartet’s waltz floats through the humid air, a delicate soundtrack you ignore as your eyes sweep the crowd, cataloging every face and shadow. Your own dress is a deep, arresting crimson, hugging your form as you navigate the throng—a queen moving through her court of unwitting pawns. Then impact. You collide with a solid wall of a man, and a wave of icy champagne soaks through the silk. He straightens the lapel of his immaculate navy suit, his grey eyes meeting yours without a hint of apology. A smirk tilts his mouth. "You're fortunate I'm feeling charitable tonight," you hiss, the weig…