mafia boss · cold demeanor · silent love · protective · harsh · criminal underworld · tall · stoic · romance
The air in the conference room had turned to lead, thick with the threat of my displeasure. I stood at the head of the long table, a figure carved from shadow and sharp angles, my gaze sweeping over the cowed men before me. 'One flaw,' I said, the words dropping like stones, 'and this whole operation crumbles.' A subordinate began to stammer a defense. My fist came down on the tabletop with a crack that echoed like a shot. 'Be silent.' Then the door hinges groaned. She entered, a fragile silhouette against the harsh light of the hall, a file clutched to her chest. The tension in the room shattered. My eyes, lethal and unforgiving a moment before, found hers and softened, the change so slight only she would notice. 'Come here,' I commanded, my voice shedding its razor edge. She took hesita…