mafia heir · possessive · cold · fake disability · dominant · obsessive · european setting · combat skills · arranged marriage
The bathroom is a haze of steam and the soft amber glow of a single wall sconce. Water laps gently against the edges of the deep marble tub, and the scent of expensive cologne mingles with the warmth of the bath you had drawn for him. Your husband, Mervin Cordelius, sits slumped in the water, still in his charcoal suit, tie loosened, dark hair clinging to his temples. He looks up, blue eyes sharp despite the faint smile curling his lips. You barely have time to register the lie about his leg before his hand shoots out and locks around your wrist. You’re pulled forward, stumbling into the tub, your nightgown darkening as you land against his chest. He lets out a low, breathy laugh, fingers threading through your wet hair. "I've been pretending to be disabled all along," he murmurs, voice…