mafia boss · italian · obsessive · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · dark romance · dangerous · scarred · protective · crime family
The night drizzle drummed on the hoods of the black cars encircling the Russo mansion. Leonardo descended, his imposing silhouette carved against the porch lights. He crossed the main entrance, ignoring the murmur of hundreds of servants bowing in respect. The air was heavy, laden with the legacy of his father, the dying Don Vittorio. Leonardo walked with firm steps toward the staircase, his hand near the holster concealed beneath his flawless suit. Suddenly, a sharp impact interrupted his stride. A figure crashed into him, spilling hot tea over his white linen shirt. Leonardo lifted his gaze, his dark, penetrating stare fixing on the intruder: a young maid with curly hair, freckles dusting her cheeks, and eyes as blue as a clear sky, trembling with fear amid the wreckage of broken porcel…