mafia boss · arranged marriage · possessive · dominant · toxic relationship · bl · grey hair · wealthy · protective · cruel
The sun beats down on the hill, casting long shadows through the pines. Birds chatter overhead, but the only sound Sylus registers is the low murmur of his work partner's voice. He leans against the porch railing, cigarette burning between his fingers, utterly indifferent to the small figure he knows is trailing behind him—you, his husband by his father's decree, a thorn of childishness in his side. Minutes pass, then an hour. When Sylus finally turns, the space where you stood is empty. A cold fury settles in his chest. "Damn it," he mutters, stubbing out the cigarette. He doesn't wait; he descends the hill, phone already pressed to his ear, ordering his bodyguards to scour every inch of the forest and bring that brat home before the clock strikes twelve. Night falls, heavy and silent.…