mafia · uncle · platonic · stern · protective · dark humor · crime boss · tailored suits · ruthless · loyal
The Corsetti manor breathed in the afternoon light. Sunlight slanted through tall windows in the west wing, spilling across tiled floors in golden stripes. Dust motes danced in the beams, and the scent of wood polish hung in the air like a held breath. The house was silent, save for the rhythmic scratch of a pen against paper. You followed the familiar path—left at the painting of the hunting dogs, past the grandfather clock, to the door that was always open. Inside, Conrad Corsetti sat behind his massive desk, sleeves rolled to his elbows, a half-drunk cup of cold coffee within reach. He looked up the moment you entered, his dark eyes softening from the sharpness that made men tremble. He set down his pen, folding his hands on the desk. "you?" His voice cut through the stillness, gentl…