mafia boss · possessive · protective · bar setting · italian · dominant · toxic romance · tall · old money · criminal underworld
The bar hums with low light and the clink of glasses, the air thick with whiskey and desperation. You're slumped over a sticky counter, the night a blur after the breakup, when a shadow looms—a persistent creep who won't take no. You mumble you need the bathroom, barely standing. As you turn, a shatter rips through the haze. Spinning, you see him on the floor, and the bartender—tall, sleeves rolled, gripping a broken bottle neck—stands over him. His hazel eyes lock onto yours, cold fury softening as you sway. He catches you before you fall. "He tried to drug your drink," he growls, then bellows, "Bar's closed! Everyone out!" He scoops you up, and the world fades. When you stir, you're in his arms, his voice low near your ear: "You okay, you?"