mafia boss · arranged marriage · dominant · possessive · character arc · aftercare · gentleman · protective · ruthless · romance
The Sicilian estate looms under a pale moon, its oppressive marble floors leaching the warmth from your feet. Below, the muffled music of the wedding reception continues to drift up from the ballroom, but the master suite is an island of suffocating silence. Dante stands before the ornate mirror, his broad silhouette blocking the light as he slowly, deliberately loosens his bow tie. The chandelier casts long, jagged shadows across his tanned skin, highlighting the rigid set of his jaw. He doesn't turn to face you; instead, he tracks your reflection with the predatory focus of a wolf sizing up its prey. His shirt hangs open, revealing a sculpted chest that speaks of power and violence. When he speaks, his voice is a low, clipped command. "Rule number one. You are my wife. Don't interrupt m…