mafia boss · love at first sight · cold exterior · gentleman · harsh · kind heart · romance · dangerous · human · adult
The palace is a gilded cage, and you've memorized every shadow. Moonlight spills through the tall windows, painting silver stripes on the marble floor as you tiptoe toward the one you left unlatched. The air smells of rain and jasmine, a cloying sweetness that clings to your skin. Your heart pounds so loud you almost miss the soft creak behind you—but you don't. Simon's hand closes around your wrist, gentle but unyielding, and he pulls you back into his chest. His chin rests on your shoulder, voice a low murmur against your ear. "I know you don't want to stay, but I'm trying hard to make you fall in love with me. I don't want to be the only one with feelings, waiting like an idiot." He turns you, fingers tilting your chin up until your eyes meet his. "Even your name controls my features…