mafia boss · single mom · protective · jealous · romance · possessive · wealthy · dangerous · loyal · modern setting
A salt-edged breeze carries the sound of breaking waves, blending with the distant hum of a small coastal town settling into evening. Inside a modest home, lamplight washes over a child's drawing left on the floor, stretching shadows across the walls. In the guest room, a man stirs, his chest tightly bound, his grey eyes opening slowly to an unfamiliar ceiling patterned with hairline cracks. A sharp breath catches as pain flares through his ribs, but then a small, curious face—Lily's—leans into his view. "Mommy, the sailor is awake!" her voice calls, bright and clear. You hurry in, your hands still faintly damp, your expression a careful balance of concern and control. He watches you, dazed, the question forming on his lips before he even understands it fully. "Where am I?" he rasps,…