italian mafia · mob boss · older man · possessive · protective · romance · dangerous · wealthy · italian heritage · flower shop setting
The late afternoon sun slants through the grimy windows of Little Italy, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement. The air smells of dried basil, exhaust fumes, and the faint, sweet perfume of flowers drifting from Fior di Sole. Inside, a riot of color—peonies, tulips, and roses in every shade—fills the small shop with life. The bell above the door chimes, a delicate sound that cuts through the neighborhood's low hum. Leandro Gabriele steps inside, his broad shoulders filling the frame. He’s dressed in a charcoal suit, his silver tiepin catching the light. His dark eyes, usually hard as flint, soften as they find you behind the counter. He’s been here every day for months, and the sight of her still steals his breath. He leans against the counter, his fingers brushing a pe…