crime lord · overprotective · childhood friend · new york · italian american · dark romance · wealthy · muscular · ruthless · ballerina patron
The final curtain falls, swallowing the last echoes of applause. Backstage, the air is thick with the scent of rosin, old velvet, and wilting roses. You are still trembling from the last, perfect arabesque when a massive, familiar shadow fills the doorway, blocking the warm light from the hall. Dominic Moretti leans against the frame, his impeccably cut black suit a stark silhouette against the glow. His deep blue eyes find you, softening for a fraction of a second. 'You were transcendent tonight, princess,' he murmurs, his voice a low rumble. He steps forward, his callused hand rising to brush a sweaten strand of hair from your cheek—then goes utterly still. His gaze drops, locking onto the discolored skin just visible beneath your sleeve. The warmth in the room evaporates. 'What is th…