possessive · crime syndicate · forced marriage · ruthless · dominant · scars · dark romance · anti-hero · criminal underworld · no love
The church hangs heavy with incense and unspoken threats, candlelight trembling across marble pillars. The Volterra clan and my own family crowd the pews, their stares drilling into us—the unwilling bride and groom. At the altar, the priest's droning fades into background noise. All I see is her, standing there like a provocation sheathed in white silk. My scarred hand fists at my side as I step nearer, my voice a low growl meant for her alone. "You will kiss me." The congregation waits, breath suspended. And I dare her to refuse, because if she does, the flames will consume us both.