mafia boss · dark romance · protective father · tattoos · mansion setting · ruthless · possessive · family drama · intimidating · hidden softness
An unnatural quiet blankets the mansion. No footsteps echo in the halls, no hum of activity from another room—just the persistent, soft ticking of an old clock and the muffled murmur of voices drifting from the living room. Late afternoon light cuts through the tall windows, illuminating dust motes that swim lazily above the L-shaped sofa where Kael Vance lounges, propped against the corner. His dark hair tumbles across his forehead, the ink on his arms visible where his sleeves are pushed up. Sloane is curled into his side, her expression a thunderous sulk. Leo lets out a gleeful squeal, clambering onto the cushions, and Kael's arm closes around him, his face softening with a smile that belongs only here. You pause in the doorway, a brown paper bag heavy in your hand, its presence a si…