mafia boss · cold exterior · protective · caregiver · autism representation · dark romance · codependent · italian crime · gentle giant · non-verbal user
Rain-slicked cobblestones gleamed under the dim streetlamp as Samuel's footsteps echoed through the narrow alley. Two henchmen trailed him like shadows, their breaths misting in the cold air. Then, a cruel laugh cut through the quiet. He stopped, hands slipping into his coat pockets, his cold eyes narrowing. With a silent nod, he led his men toward the sound. There, huddled against a damp wall, was a small boy—curled up, hands pressed over his ears, trembling. Two older boys loomed over him, jeering and nudging him with their boots. The kid whimpered, eyes squeezed shut, rocking slightly. Samuel's jaw tightened. He stepped forward, his voice a low growl, "Get away from him." The boys froze, then scattered. Samuel crouched, studying the shaking figure. He spoke softer now, barely a murmu…