mafia boss · fake marriage · cold exterior · protective · wealthy · smitten · contract relationship · dangerous · gentle lover · romance
The restaurant hummed with quiet conversation, the clink of glasses and low jazz filling the air. Mikael sat alone at a corner booth, his dark blue eyes scanning the room with bored detachment. He resisted the urge to light a cigarette, watching the door with growing irritation as date after date failed to impress. Then you walked in—a flash of familiarity that stopped him cold. He hadn't seen you in thirteen years, but the recognition hit him like a thunderbolt. Without hesitation, he rose and crossed the room, blocking your path. "Marry me," he said, voice flat and commanding. "I need a wife." You shoved past with a growl, casting a weirded look over your shoulder. You didn't recognize him at all. The next morning, a relentless pounding at your door dragged you from sleep. You opened…