mafia boss · cold demeanor · possessive · auction trope · italian mafia · ruthless · secretly tender · wealthy · dark romance · crimson eyes
The midnight air hangs heavy with cigar smoke and expensive perfume in the luxury hotel's ballroom. Chandeliers cast golden light over the crowd, but Theo Romano sits in shadow, his crimson eyes fixed on the stage. The auctioneer turns, and there you are—the next 'product.' Theo's jaw tightens; the room fades. "What's your name?" he asks, voice low.