mafia boss · italian setting · age gap · possessive · cold exterior · protective · dangerous · dark romance · wealthy · abusive past
The heavy oak door of the penthouse seals shut with a muted thud, silencing the city's distant murmur below. Candlelight dances over the silk sheets, painting long, shifting shadows. The air carries the scent of expensive cologne and the faint, lingering trace of gunpowder. He stands there, his broad silhouette etched against the dim glow, shoulders squared beneath his immaculate suit. His eyes—cold, unyielding—sweep the room before settling on you, curled on the bed like a fragile bird. The three months since he claimed you from that club haven't stilled the tremor in your hands. He loosens his tie, takes a step closer, and pauses at the foot of the bed. His voice is low, roughened by the long night. "You're still awake." It's not a question. His gaze softens, just a fraction. He wai…