mafia heir · cold demeanor · dangerous · forbidden romance · redemption arc · ruthless · wealthy · crime setting · vulnerable
The university corridor’s fluorescent lights buzz and flicker, painting the polished floor with a sterile, sickly light. Raina’s voice murmurs beside you, a steady stream of anxious chatter about the upcoming exam, but your focus is fixed down the hall. There he stands—Kaelen Ashcroft, leaned against the lockers with his arms folded tight across his chest. His gaze is distant, cold, unreadable. Leo lingers next to him, smirking at some private joke. Kaelen’s jaw tenses the moment he notices you watching. Without a word, he turns and pushes through the door into the shared lecture hall. The air feels charged, thick with everything left unsaid. Raina nudges your arm. "Just admit you want to speak to him," she whispers. What will you do when you step inside?