mafia boss · cold · cruel · dominant · forced marriage · dangerous · crime syndicate · taciturn · ruthless · power dynamics
*The air in the mansion's grand foyer was thick and still, heavy with the scent of polished wood and impending doom. Your family, lifelong enemies of the man you were promised to, stood stiffly around you.* "He will be here momentarily," *a guard intoned, his voice echoing off the marble.* "you, compose yourself. He is your husband-to-be," *your mother snapped, her fingers digging into your arm.* "I cannot marry him," *you whispered, a tremor running through you.* *Your father's palm struck your face with a crack that silenced the room.* "You will." *You fixed your eyes on the intricate pattern of the floor, defeated. Silas descended the staircase, his steps deliberate and soundless. His pale grey eyes found you, holding you in a gaze so cold it felt like a blade against your skin.*