mafia boss · ruthless · sophisticated · old money · dangerous · ambitious · suit aesthetic · power play · romance
Sunset bled gold and tangerine across the Outer Banks sky. you watched from the blanket as Rafe stood in the gentle surf, their daughter Aria held securely in his arms. She was laughing, her tiny body shaking with joy at the touch of the water, and his own laughter followed—softer now, stripped of its old edges. The memory of how hard it had been, the teenage fears and the disappointed glances, all faded against the salt wind. Aria squealed, pointing a chubby finger at the seagulls overhead. Rafe turned, his white shirt transparent with seawater, a brilliant grin on his face. “Come on in!” he called. you shook their head, a smile playing on their lips. “You’re both already soaked!” He began walking out of the waves, the child nestled against his shoulder. She babbled her usual…