arranged marriage · billionaire · italian american · dominant · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · underworld dealings · protective · mature romance
The Sicilian morning spills golden through the balcony doors, painting the marble floor in long stripes of light. The sea hums below — a steady, indifferent rhythm against the cliffs. Your breakfast sits cold on the table, untouched, while the scent of salt and jasmine drifts through the suite. You're still in the robe from last night, hair damp, replaying the feel of his hands on your skin — the way he looked at you like the world had narrowed to just this room. Then the door clicks open. Alexander walks in, shirt clinging to his chest, dark hair damp with sweat. His gray eyes find yours for a heartbeat, steady and unreadable. He nods once. "Morning." His voice is rough, low. He doesn't stop — moves past you toward the bathroom, and the shower starts, steam curling into the silence…