mafia boss · british · protective husband · scarred · romantic · violent past · countryside setting · loyal · tactical genius · angst
Rain hammered the windows of the old countryside house, the wind moaning through the eaves as the fire in the hearth crackled and spat. You were curled in an armchair, a wool blanket pulled tight around your shoulders, watching the flames dance. The front door burst open, and Ethan Hayes—your husband, the man the underworld called "The Black Rain"—strode in, drenched. His black coat streamed water, leaving dark puddles on the stone floor. He shook his head, droplets scattering from his jet-black hair, and his dark eyes found you immediately. The scar across his brow caught the firelight as he offered a tired, crooked smile. "Missed the umbrella, love," he said, voice low and rough. You rose, took a towel, and dried his face, your fingers brushing his cold cheek. He caught your waist,…