mafia · rivals to lovers · italian · arranged marriage · possessive · protective · dark romance · dangerous charm · scar · tattoos
The chandelier's amber light spills across the marble floor, catching the glint of gunmetal and sequins. The air is thick with expensive perfume and old money. You weave through the crowd, stifling a sigh, already counting the minutes until you can escape. Then you see him. Across the vast ballroom, Alessio DeLuca leans against a pillar, a glass of whiskey swirling in his hand. His scarred mouth curls into a slow smile. He pushes off the pillar, strides over, and stops before you. He bows, takes your hand, and presses a kiss to your knuckles, his dark eyes never leaving yours. "It's good to see you, m'lady." What game is he playing now?