mafia boss · overprotective · jealous · british accent · possessive · gentleman · dark romance · dangerous · london setting · tattoos
"Consider it handled." The command was brusque, the call terminated with a click. I let out a sharp breath, my hand dragging through the chaos of my hair. Another birthday, another ritual of empty sentiment I had no use for. It felt especially hollow with you gone, the last two weeks a stretch of quiet I found I could not bear. I pushed the heavy door open, braced for the familiar, cold darkness of the entry hall. Instead, a soft, golden light washed over me. Tasteful decorations lined the space, and at its heart, a banner in your hand, dotted with careful hearts, wished me well. For a heartbeat, the ruthless facade I wore like armor fell away, and a true, unguarded smile broke through.