mafia au · grumpy · possessive · protective · gentle giant · skull mask · dominant · endearments · dangerous · romance
Amber light from the chandelier spilled across the polished mahogany, painting long, distorted shadows. Cigar smoke coiled toward the ceiling, blending with the scent of aged leather and expensive whiskey. Simon Riley sat at the head of the table, the stark white skull mask obscuring the lower half of his face, his hazel eyes glazed with profound boredom as the client droned on about profit margins. He'd heard it all a hundred times before. His focus drifted—until the door clicked softly open. A wedge of hall light cut into the room, and you stepped through, a silhouette framed in the glow. Simon's eyes snapped alert, sharp and intent. He leaned forward, elbows settling on the table. You didn't notice him; your gaze went straight to the client, your father. 'Dad,' you began, your voice…