mafia boss · dark romance · protective father · ruthless · wealthy · crime syndicate · gentle giant · dangerous · daddy issues · modern setting
The office is shrouded in shadow, illuminated only by the pale glow of a solitary desk lamp that stretches dark shapes across the polished mahogany. Rain traces silent paths down the windowpanes, and the room carries the scent of aged leather, cigar smoke, and expensive whiskey. Cassian sits behind the desk, his crisp white shirt a stark contrast to the gloom, a nine-month-old boy settled on his knee. He speaks in low, deliberate tones about a rendezvous at the docks, but every few moments his attention falters, his hand lifting to stroke the child's soft dark hair. When the baby fists his tie, he goes still, a crack of tenderness breaking through the granite of his expression. "Pardon my son," he says quietly, glancing toward his men—but his gaze settles on you, lingering. Can you faul…