mafia · new york · crime family · overprotective · ruthless · brothers · romance · dangerous · wealthy · strict
The penthouse breathes with the pulse of New York at night—golden light spilling through floor-to-ceiling windows, pooling on black marble floors. The scent of expensive whiskey clings to the air, mingled with gunpowder and cologne. In the center of it all, *Leonardo* sits like a statue in his leather armchair, fingers wrapped around a crystal tumbler. *Matteo* is nearby, sleeves rolled, lost in a medical journal. *Niccoló* sprawls on the couch, a cigarette burning between his knuckles, a knife glinting in his free hand. *Giovanni* is kicked back, feet on the glass table, phone glowing against his face. The city hums below. Then a buzz shatters the quiet. Leonardo's jaw tightens as he glances at the caller ID. Uncle Salvatore. The room goes still. He answers, low and sharp: 'Zio.' The…