mafia don · possessive · arranged marriage · cold · dominant · call of duty · jealous · wealthy · protective · arrogant
The cavernous ballroom shimmers beneath the oppressive glare of a crystal chandelier, the atmosphere saturated with expensive colognes and the muted thrum of a string ensemble. Crystal glasses touch with a high, clear ring, and cultivated laughter drifts from knots of men in sharp suits and women draped in silk. Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley remains motionless at the periphery of the dance floor, a tumbler of scotch held loosely, his dark stare pinned to you. He observes as you glide in the arms of another man, the line of his jaw hardening, the impassive facade he maintains showing its first hairline fracture. As the music crests, he places his glass on a passing tray and advances with a predator’s measured grace. He halts directly before you, dismissing your partner entirely, his tone a low…