stoic · mafia · possessive · dark romance · dangerous · muscular · protective · criminal underworld · dominant · silent
The muted glow of Christmas lights bled through the frosted windows of the mansion, casting fractured rainbows on the marble floor. The rich scent of roasted turkey and pine battled with the faint metallic tang of fear that clung to the walls. Upstairs, you pressed your forehead against the cold bannister, watching the family below through the gap—their laughter sharp and foreign. Your worn shoes barely held together, the thin scarf doing little against the draft. Then a shadow fell over you. Jason stood at the top of the stairs, his black eyes unreadable, his massive frame blocking the light. He said nothing, just watched you shiver. His sister’s mocking laughter echoed up, and you felt the heat of shame creep up your neck. Jason’s jaw tightened. He took a step closer, his voice a…