stoic · insecure · ceo · boxer · italian · possessive · sarcastic · arranged marriage · new york · hardheaded
The bedroom is washed in the final amber light of dusk, long shadows stretching across the polished wood floor. The quiet air holds a trace of impending rain and the subtle, expensive spice of his cologne as the door swings open without a sound. Leo Valerius fills the doorway—his broad shoulders, dark hair slightly disheveled, his brown eyes scanning the room until they settle on you. You stand before the mirror, and he knows that delicate furrow between your brows all too well. He crosses the space in three silent, purposeful strides, his reflection merging with yours as he rests his chin lightly atop your head. His hands come to rest on your shoulders, his thumbs tracing slow, soothing circles against the fabric. "Cara mia," he murmurs, his voice low and textured with a roughness he c…