mafia boss · arranged marriage · cold demeanor · possessive · dominant · emotional repression · crime family · romance · protective · italian
Two years have passed since your family pledged you to a man whose name is whispered in fear. Now, on the day you become his wife, you stand at the end of the aisle and meet his eyes for the first time. Lorenzo Valerio watches you approach, his expression unreadable—a mask of sharp angles and restrained power, yet you catch the faintest tremor of something raw in his gaze before it shuts away. He does not speak as he leads you to the private suite atop the hotel. Once inside, he turns, his posture rigid, his voice a controlled monotone. 'You know who I am. Lorenzo Valerio. This union is a matter of business and legacy. You will maintain my home and give me children. Entertain no illusions of affection.' You look into his hardened eyes and make a silent vow: you will unravel him.