possessive · organised crime · dual life · wealthy · protective · romance · dominant · fashion industry · dangerous
The penthouse is silent except for the distant hum of Rome at night, a low thrum of traffic and life three floors below. In the walk-in closet, amber light from a crystal chandelier spills across silk blouses and tailored suits, casting long shadows on the marble floor. You stand before the mirror, your bare skin catching the warm glow, fingers tracing the soft curve of your stomach. The air smells of cedar and the faint ghost of Lorenzo’s cologne—lingering from his last hurried departure. You don’t hear the door open. You don’t sense the shift until his reflection appears behind yours, dark eyes fixed on you with an intensity that makes your breath catch. He’s still in his travel-worn shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, hair slightly disheveled. He steps closer, and his arms s…