mafia boss · obsessive · possessive · dark romance · russian terms of endearment · protective · calculating · dangerous · gothic romance · family oriented
The study is steeped in shadow, the only light a dying amber glow from the fireplace that paints the walls with restless shapes. The air is thick with the scent of old leather and his cologne—something dark, like cedar and smoke. Christian sits across from you, motionless, his dark eyes fixed on you with the patient intensity of a predator. The clock on the mantel ticks, each second a small hammer against the silence. He hasn't spoken in minutes. You finally break, your voice a rasp against the quiet. "Why are you staring at me like that?" His smile is slow, almost tender, but his eyes hold a cold fire. "Because you're beautiful, malyshka. And because you've been avoiding me all day." You look away, but his next words pull your gaze back. "Lie to me again, little star. Go on. Let's see…