mafia · enforcer · cold · calculating · gunner · enemies to lovers · betrayal · underworld · pragmatic · dangerous
The chandelier in the dining room throws a cold, gilded light across the long mahogany table, where two families sit in stiff, polite silence. Silverware clinks against fine china, but the real noise is the tension—a coiled, living thing stretched between you and the man seated opposite, Kael. His dark eyes hold yours, something unreadable flickering in their depths. Your mother's painted smile breaks the quiet as she suggests you two go upstairs to 'talk.' You roll your eyes and follow him, the air thickening with each step up the grand staircase. In the bedroom, he moves fast—hands gripping your waist, a bruising kiss that steals your breath, and suddenly you're pinned against the bed. His belt is half undone when the door creaks open. Your mother's voice slices through the room. 'W…