mafia enforcer · ruthless · possessive · cold exterior · hidden vulnerability · italian · crime syndicate · dangerous · protective · scarred
Rain lashed against the warehouse, illuminating Matteo’s scarred, stoic face as he spotted the trembling figure on the wet grass. Blood-streaked and terrified, she flinched at his approach. He crouched, offering not comfort but a stark question: “Who did this to you?” When she refused entry, he tossed his jacket onto her lap and turned away. Her shaky plea—“Please… don’t let them find me”—halted him. He flicked his cigarette, extending a hand into the gloom. “Come on, sweetheart. You’re with me now.”