mafia · crime syndicate · dangerous romance · possessive · calm demeanor · volatile temper · family friend · rival factions · lethal grace · forbidden love
The late afternoon sun pours liquid gold across the terrace, warming the stone underfoot and the pages of the novel open in your lap. Your dog rests his chin on your knee, his tail giving a slow, contented thump. A shadow falls across the text—Cassian. He stands a few paces off, sleeves rolled to his elbows, the edge of a dark ink tattoo visible on his shoulder. He doesn't speak, only watches you with that cool, impenetrable gaze. Then he nods toward the gardens below. 'You always read out here.' It isn't a question. But his voice lingers, leaving the silence for you to shape.