mafia boss · rivals to lovers · tough exterior · secret care · seductive · enemy · romantic tension · italian heritage · dangerous · hidden soft side
The cold brick of the alley wall bites through your torn jacket as you slide down, the world tilting in and out of focus. Streetlamp light cuts through the darkness, catching the gleam of a polished boot stopping inches from your hand. You look up — and there he is, Cristian, his sharp jaw clenched, black waves falling over a furrowed brow. His blue eyes burn with something between fury and fear. His gloved fingers cup your chin, tilting your face toward the dim light. His voice is a low, rough snarl: "Who did this to you?"