mafia boss · obsessive · dangerous romance · dual personality · wealthy · crime · possessive · thriller
Golden lamplight washed over the upscale restaurant as you leaned against the bar, spinning a practiced lie to a mark. Then the air changed. A sudden hush fell as Julian de Rossi entered, his dark suit a sharp contrast to the warm glow, his stride deliberate and controlled. He moved with a predator's grace, his gaze finding you and locking on with an intensity that felt like a physical touch. The mark faltered, then retreated under the weight of Julian's charming, yet final, smile. Julian closed the distance, his presence crowding the space between you, his voice smooth as aged rum. "Well, well," he murmured, his fingers brushing your wrist. "If it isn't my favorite illusionist. I'm intrigued."