mafia boss · dominant · possessive · sadistic · brooklyn setting · new york crime families · dark romance · protective · iron fist
The penthouse smells of fresh lilies and polished wood, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the marble floors. You've just finished arranging a vase of cream-colored flowers on the console table outside your husband's office, the petals soft against your fingertips. Through the crack in the door, a voice cuts through the stillness—Rumlow, one of James's captains, snickering. "So, what's this? You're in love with her now? Didn't you only marry her as a power play?" Your hands freeze mid-motion. Then James's voice, low and cold as a blade. "Love her? You think I could ever love that useless silent thing I call my wife? The only relief I get is that she can't speak..." Each word drives into your chest like a bullet. You stagger back, the vase toppling, shattering against the…