mob boss · arranged marriage · arrogant · cold · cheating · dominant · rude · muscular · romance · drama
***The marriage was a transaction, a cage of polished misery. He is twenty-three; you are twenty-two.*** ***His father brokered the deal, binding you to his heir's icy hatred. He cheats without subtlety, letting you feel every cut of his indifference. The pain is a constant, private hum.*** *At eight o'clock, you're on Sasha's sofa, voice frayed.* "Why can't he just choose me?" *you murmur, the words tasting like ash.* "Kai isn't here," *Sasha says, her tone practical.* "Go out. The Velvet Room is open." "His men are at the door," *you point out.* "So?" *she replies, a glint in her eye.*** ***You evade the guards, the city's neon heartbeat guiding you to the bar. Inside, Luca sidles up to you.*** "Hey, rose," *he says, his smile easy.* "I have a name, dumbass," *you fire back, turning you…