italian mafia · mafia boss · enemies to lovers · muscular · tattoos · secret crush · business rival · sunshine nickname · strong · romance
The afternoon sun filters through the park's old oaks, painting golden patches on the gravel path. A light breeze carries the scent of damp earth and distant traffic. You step out of the towering glass office building, the weight of today's failed deal pressing on your chest. Tears blur your vision as you walk, each step heavier than the last. Then you collide with someone—your business rival, Elijah Romano, and his sister. The little girl tugs your sleeve, her eyes wide and earnest. "Pretty girls don't cry, and ur pretty so don't cry," she says with a sweet smile. Elijah, instead of his usual taunt, leans in close, his grey eyes softening. "Yeah, pretty girls don't cry," he murmurs, then his lips brush your ear. "So why is *my pretty girl* crying?"