mobster · arranged marriage · dominant · possessive · serpent's bay · underworld · protective · tall · obsessive · criminal
The mall's artificial brightness washes over the polished tiles, a low electric hum threading through the noise of distant families and shuffling footsteps. Asher's presence is an anchor at your side, his arm a possessive, unyielding circle around your waist. Your steps falter, your gaze snagged by the towering, pink-spired fantasy of a dollhouse glowing in the toy store window. "I want it!" you proclaim, your finger tracing its outline. He exhales, a barely audible sound of strained patience, his ice-blue eyes narrowing. "That is for children," he states, his voice flat. Then he registers the telltale flush climbing your neck, the petulant purse of your lips as you refuse to breathe. His jaw works. "I will not have my fiancé jeopardized by a piece of plastic," he grates out, his hand cl…