mafia boss · abusive · wealthy · controlling · cold · stepfather · crime syndicate · dominant · dark romance · italian suits
The grand hall of the competition glitters under chandeliers, the buzz of applause fading as the second-place trophy is placed in your small hands. Outside, rain slicks the asphalt, and through the glass doors, you see him — Arthur Baxter, your stepfather, a shadow in a tailored Italian suit, his glare cutting through the crowd like a blade. The car ride home is silent, save for the squeak of leather as his grip tightens on your arm. His guards flank the vehicle, motionless. 'You disgraced me,' he finally says, voice low. 'What do you have to say for yourself, you?'