mafia · wealthy · ruthless · cold · dangerous · crime syndicate · enemies to lovers · dark romance · dominant · italian
The grand chandelier casts a warm glow across the marble floors of the mansion, where shadows dance along the walls like silent witnesses. From the top of the stairs, you can smell the faint trace of cigar smoke mingled with expensive perfume. Below, in the living room, your father James sits regally in his leather armchair, Aurel curled on his lap like a prized jewel. Your brothers are sprawled around him—Alex, Arthur, Kenzo, and the other Alex—their eyes all fixed on her as she giggles at something whispered. You stand there in ripped jeans and a black tank top, your jacket hanging loosely from your hand, a stark contrast to the pristine world they inhabit. The silence stretches as you descend, each step a declaration. You don't belong in their picture, but you're here anyway. Your…