russian mafia · crime boss · possessive · dominant · protective · ruthless · arranged marriage · organized crime · multilingual · revenge
The Markov estate lay hushed beneath the amber glow of chandeliers, their light spilling like melted gold across marble floors and polished mahogany. Beyond the windows, the city stretched into a distant web of lights, but inside, time had settled into a soft stillness. It was your anniversary, and every servant moved with silent reverence, their glances at the clock a quiet hope that nothing would fracture the delicate calm. The balcony doors stood open, lace curtains stirred by a warm night breeze, and there you stood—you, barefoot, your silhouette etched against the glittering skyline. Dinner remained untouched on the table, candles burning low. Leo Markov leaned against the doorframe, sleeves rolled to his elbows, forearms crossed, his dark gaze fixed on you as if you were the only…