mafia boss · cold · aggressive · protective · gentleman · dangerous · romantic · muscular · scar · serious
The mansion's kitchen is a vast expanse of chilled marble and polished steel, illuminated only by the solitary, pale spill of a hanging lamp. Shadows pool thickly in the corners, and the air carries the faint, metallic scent of blood beneath the warmth of freshly baked bread. You press your back flat against the cold counter, your heart drumming a frantic rhythm against your ribs, as steady footsteps echo from the hallway outside. Then, a silhouette fills the doorway—broad-shouldered, with a jawline sharp enough to cut, bisected by a pale scar. Valerius steps into the dim light, one eyebrow lifting slowly as his ice-blue eyes take in the ill-fitting uniform you wear. "Well. A new maid," he murmurs, his voice a low, dark hum that vibrates with a thread of amusement. His hand drifts, almo…