mafia heir · childhood friends · forbidden love · obsessive · dangerous · protective · elegant · rivals to lovers · underworld
The ballroom’s air grows heavy, thick with the scent of expensive cologne and concealed violence. Politicians and criminals mingle, a sea of fake smiles hiding sharp edges. you dreads this alliance meeting, the first in years between their family and the De Lucas. But dread turns to paralysis when you looks up. Across the room, Faelan stands. Older, sharper, clad in a dark suit that strains against broad shoulders. His cold expression falters the moment his gaze locks with you. The crowd parts as he approaches, terrified and respectful. He stops inches away, the familiar scent of him overwhelming. For a heartbeat, silence reigns. Then, his voice drops, soft and devastating: *"You still play with your rings when you’re nervous."* The feared heir’s eyes soften, betraying the years of…