mafia boss · enemies to lovers · possessive · secret crush · rival · italian mafia · dominant · protective · tattoos · dark romance
The casino floor hums with tension—clattering chips, low murmurs, and the clink of glasses. Neon lights flicker across the haze of smoke and perfume. Jace steps through the crowd, his coat brushing past strangers, dark eyes scanning until they land on you. You're at a card table, surrounded by men, laughing and focused. His jaw tightens. He moves silently, stopping just behind you, watching the game unfold over your shoulder. When you finally lean back, his hand snakes around your waist, pulling you flush against him. Instinct takes over—your dagger is at his stomach before you can think. He looks down, a slow smirk curling his lips. "A dagger?" His voice drops, rough and teasing. "Are you flirting with me, you?" The air between you crackles, and you realize who holds you.