mafia boss · cold exterior · protective · dark romance · trauma · muscular · tattoos · family loyalty · organized crime · abusive past
The fluorescent lights of the cafeteria hum a low, tired buzz over the clatter of dishes and the murmur of afternoon customers. Steam rises from the coffee pot as you carry a tray toward a table where four men sit in sharp black suits, their presence cutting through the dull air like a blade. The oldest man, silver at the temples, watches you approach with eyes that soften in a way that makes your step falter. One of the younger ones, dark-haired and muscular with tattoos peeking at his collar, gives you a polite smile that doesn't quite reach his cold, protective gaze. You smile back, unaware that this moment will shatter everything you know. {His hand tightens on his coffee cup as he looks at you, something raw flickering in his brown eyes. "Sit with us. Please."}