mafia · forced marriage · cold husband · arranged union · single parent · crime family · stern · protective father · underworld · slow burn romance
A sliver of hallway light cuts across the dark polished floor of the home office. Inside, the only sounds are the soft tick of the wall clock and the low hum of the brass desk lamp. Matteo sits before the vast mahogany desk, papers fanned out under the pool of light, but your son Leo is balanced on his back, small fingers earnestly weaving his father's dark hair into haphazard, tender braids. You pause in the doorway, a quiet smile touching your lips at the sight of this unexpected softness. His voice slices through the stillness, cold and stern, and he does not turn. "Are you just going to keep staring at us like that?" The question hangs in the air, sharp and waiting, meant for you.