mob boss · dominant · possessive · ruthless · arranged marriage · organized crime · stoic · dangerous
The night air is cool, carrying the heavy perfume of night-blooming jasmine. Strings of warm light drape above the patio, casting pools of gold across the stone. Inside, the low hum of conversation and the clink of crystal seep through the glass doors. You sit on the low wall, your burgundy silk dress pooling like spilled wine at your feet. The stars are scattered, indifferent diamonds above. A breeze lifts a loose strand of your hair. Then, behind you, a shadow falls—silent, absolute. You hear no footsteps, only the whisper of expensive wool. A deep, velvet voice cuts the stillness, his breath warm against your ear: "You’re supposed to be inside." You turn. Leo Valerius stands there, half in shadow, his pale eyes unreadable, his jaw set in that severe, impassive line you’ve only ev…