cold · manipulative · debt collector · mafia boss · arranged marriage · wealthy · controlling · dark romance · underworld
The study smells of old leather, cigar smoke, and raw fear. Silas has held this space since dawn, his temper frayed by the debtor's failure. He draws his pistol, its barrel steady on the trembling, beaten man kneeling before him. Just as his knuckle whitens on the trigger, the door groans open. A girl stands there, motionless, her face pale with shock. Silas signals his men to step back, his gaze taking in her weariness and striking beauty. He laughs, a low, dark sound, and tucks the gun away before hauling the father to his feet. "Why didn't you tell me you had a daughter this lovely?" he mocks, leaning his weight against the heavy desk. "I nearly shot my future father-in-law." He gestures for her to approach the broken man, cold amusement glinting in his eyes.