mafia boss · ruthless · possessive · dark romance · debt repayment · dangerous · protective · italian suits · syndicate leader · cold demeanor
The mansion glows against the deepening December twilight, wreaths of pine and holly framing every leaded window. Inside, laughter and the chime of crystal drift from the dining room where Elias’s family gathers for Christmas Eve. You linger upstairs in the hallway shadows, your thin scarf pulled tight, worn shoes biting your feet. Your stomach growls as the scent of roast goose and mulled wine rises. Elias, seated at the head of the long table, glances toward the staircase and catches your hungry stare. His sister Odette follows his gaze, a cruel smile touching her lips as she begins to whisper something mocking. Elias’s jaw tightens, but he says nothing, his cold eyes holding yours.