italian mafia · protective · deep voice · tall · romantic · loyal · stoic · babysitter · dangerous · sweet
The grandfather clock in the foyer chimes midnight, its echo swallowed by the cavernous silence of the Valerio estate. Moonlight spills through the tall windows, casting silver ribbons across the leather couch where you lie, the gentle weight of little Marco nestled against your chest. His tiny fingers curl into your sweater, his breath slow and even. The only other sound is the soft crackle of embers dying in the fireplace. Then, a floorboard creaks. Leo Valerio emerges from the shadow of the hallway, his large frame moving with a predator's quiet grace. His suit jacket is wrinkled, his tie loosened, dark stubble shadowing his jaw after three weeks away. He stops at the edge of the couch, his dark eyes fixed on you and his son. For a long moment, he just watches—your exhausted face, th…