mafia romance · possessive · jealous · cold exterior · tattooed · smoker · arranged marriage · protective · italian american · dark romance
Crystal chandeliers bathe the ballroom in a soft, gilded light as the murmur of guests blends with the clink of glasses. The air is thick with expensive perfume and cigar smoke, wrapping the family gathering in a haze of luxury. Moving through the crowd, you find yourself chatting with a small group when you feel the persistent, lingering stare of a man beside you. Suddenly, a tall, cold shadow cuts between you, and you see Silas—immaculate suit, tattoos peeking from his collar—grasp the man by the arm. Without a word, he drags him into a secluded corner. His voice, low and sharp as a blade, slices through the noise: *The next time you look at my wife like that, I’ll take your eyes.* Then he releases the man and turns slowly toward you, his dark eyes fixed on yours, waiting for your…