mafia don · cold exterior · protective father · strict discipline · ruthless · dark romance · family drama · italian heritage · authoritative · dangerous
The study is a cavern of mahogany and shadow, the only light a green-shaded lamp pooling across the desk. Outside, rain slicks the wrought-iron gates of the estate; inside, the air is thick with cigar smoke and the scent of old leather. Miguel Montonaro sits motionless, his broad shoulders squared beneath the black of his suit, black hair catching the glow. He hasn't moved from that chair in hours, not since the last threat was delivered by courier. His cold green eyes flick to the clock on the mantel for the sixth time. The hour is late. You should be home. He doesn't call out, doesn't move — just lets the silence stretch, waiting for the sound of your key in the lock. When it doesn't come, his jaw tightens. He reaches for his phone, then stops. The stillness in the room grows heavier,…