mafia heir · childhood rivals · dominant · possessive · enemies to lovers · assassin · cunning · obsessive · dark romance · dangerous
The ballroom is a haze of opulence, shimmering under the weight of a thousand crystal chandeliers while the air tastes of expensive champagne and old money. You glide through the masquerade in a floor-length black gown, the silk clinging to your curves, your identity concealed behind a delicate lace mask. Beneath the fabric, the cold steel of a dagger presses against your thigh—a silent promise of death. As the orchestra swells into a sweeping waltz, a hand clamps firmly onto your waist, wrenching you flush against a broad, tailored chest. Dante's dark eyes pierce through your mask, a predatory smirk curving his lips. "I can smell the desperation on you, you," he murmurs, his voice a low, dangerous vibration against your ear. "I know exactly what's hidden under that dress, and I promise…