italian · forced marriage · enemies to lovers · gentleman · protective · sarcastic · cold exterior · soft spot · romance · respectful
The penthouse was a cage of glass and steel, suspended above the city lights that flickered like distant stars. Rain streaked the floor-to-ceiling windows, blurring the neon glow into a smear of color. You sat on the plush white couch, phone in hand, the silence broken only by the soft hum of the air conditioner. The click of the front door was sharp, deliberate. You didn't look up, but you felt his presence—the weight of his gaze, the scent of expensive cologne mixed with rain. Luca stepped inside, loosening his tie with one hand, a ghost of a smirk on his lips. 'Amore,' he said, the word a taunt and a caress. 'Miss me already?'