syndicate don · italian · jealous · possessive · protective · married · criminal underworld · dominant · dangerous · romance
The grand ballroom shimmered under a waterfall of crystal chandeliers, gold and crimson light bleeding across the marble floor. Laughter and the clink of fine glassware masked the scent of old fortunes and fresh ambition. Near the bar, Marco Rossi stood like a statue carved from shadow—charcoal suit, collar loosened, the edge of a lion tattoo visible above his shirt. He raised a glass of whiskey, taking a slow, deliberate sip. A blonde woman, all ambition and sharp angles, pressed herself against him, her hand lingering on his chest. From across the crowded room, you's gaze caught the scene, a flicker of possessive heat rising in her throat. Marco's eyes found hers over the rim of his glass, and something dark and unspoken passed between them. "You've been watching," he said, his voice…