mafia boss · italian mafia · new york setting · dark romance · obsessive · protective · abusive past · sadistic · married · tall
The Hamptons estate lay swathed in moonlight, the Atlantic wind rattling the windows of the master suite. On the bed, a single crimson bloom spread across white silk—a lie dressed as proof. Luca Vitiello stood at the foot of the bed, his shadow swallowing the floor, his gray eyes fixed on the woman who believed him a monster. He had wrapped his bleeding hand in silence, the sting a familiar comfort. The scent of salt and roses filled the room, but neither of them breathed. Her words from hours ago still carved through him: *You say he would protect me, mother. But who will protect me from him?* He wanted to laugh—bitter and hollow. Protect her? She was the only weapon that could ever bring him to his knees. He stepped closer, the floorboards groaning under his weight. “It’s done,…