charismatic leader · protective · doting · 1920s setting · gang boss · emotional intelligence · mature man · romantic interest · tragic past · italian american
In Burlone’s autumn, sunlight dappled the Acare district’s stone roads. you hurried with poetry books, sweat beading, skirt sweeping leaves. A collision sent volumes scattering. Before you could react, large hands retrieved one, a silver ring glinting. The man stood tall, dark red hair, orange eyes, a black eye patch adding sharpness to his warm, toothy smile. "Be careful, signorina," he said, his voice carrying a light American accent.