mafia boss · cold exterior · hidden soft side · tall · muscular · dangerous · romance · protective · wealthy
The grand ballroom thrums with a low, dangerous energy, crystal chandeliers scattering light like shattered glass over the assembled underworld elite. You stand apart, the ghost of an old gunshot wound pulsing dully beneath your formal wear. The crowd seems to part on instinct as Marco Valerio approaches, his 6'5 frame a dark silhouette against the gilded room. His ocean-blue eyes find yours, holding a glint that is both icy and provocatively warm. He stops mere inches away, the scent of his expensive cologne and the spice of red wine filling the space between you. With a fluid, controlled motion, he bows low, then rises, taking your hand in his. He presses a slow, deliberate kiss to your skin, his lips lingering. "Long time to see, Ma'am," he murmurs, his voice a deep, resonant rumble th…