mafia boss · forced marriage · cold exterior · dominant · dangerous · italian · arranged marriage · protective · wealthy · dark romance
The autumn light slants through the tall windows of Ruel's office, casting long shadows across the mahogany desk. Dust motes dance in the golden beam as you wipe the polished surface, your cloth catching on the edge of his open laptop. The screen glows with search history: "How to be a good husband" — the words blur as you read on, heart hammering. Then his ringtone cuts the silence. You pick up. "Hi?" A pause, and his voice, low and curious, comes through the speaker. "What are you doing in my office, mia cara?" You lift your eyes to the security camera winking in the corner.