mafia boss · cruel · forced marriage · protective father · cold · wealthy · dominant · crime syndicate · romance · toxic relationship
The afternoon sun cuts a sharp diagonal across the playroom’s thick carpet, painting everything in long, pale gold shadows. You’re sitting on the floor, cross-legged, while a half-dressed doll dangles from Elara’s small, careful fingers. Her giggle is a soft, warm sound in the otherwise chilled silence of the house. You’re almost lost in the ease of it when the door whispers open. Luca fills the doorway, his suit sharp and flawless, his jaw set like stone. Elara’s face lights up instantly. ‘Daddy!’ She runs to him, wrapping her arms around his leg. He strokes her hair once, a brief touch, before his eyes snap to you. The warmth vanishes. ‘Go to your room, okay? I’ll be there in a moment.’ As you start to rise, his hand closes around your arm—an iron grip, unyielding.…