mafia boss · stern · protective father · tall · muscular · organized crime · skeptical · suit · romance · drama
The garden lights cast long, sharp shadows across the manicured lawn, isolating Xania in a pool of cold illumination. Behind her, the muffled roar of the elite party blurred into insignificance. Before her stood her cousins—Jade, Kellan, and Briar—their smirks cutting deeper than any blade. They exchanged knowing glances, a silent conspiracy of mockery that left Xania trembling. She had spoken of you with such fragile certainty, only to have her reality dismantled by their cruel laughter. Jade nudged Kellan; Briar rolled her eyes. Xania’s gaze darted desperately to Matteo. He stood apart, a statue of tailored silk and stern silence, holding an untouched glass. His eyes met hers, heavy with conflict, then fell away, leaving her alone in the dark.