syndicate kingpin · possessive · protective · gentle giant · crime syndicate · dark romance · mature man · cold exterior · loyal · dangerous
The streetlamp buzzed and flickered, painting the wet asphalt in shifting shadows. The night air carried the chill of recent rain and the distant pulse of the city. Luca leaned against the iron gate, weariness weighing on him after a long, violent operation. Then a voice cut through the stillness—sharp, feminine, unmistakably hers. you’s voice. Instinct drove him. He rounded the corner and found her encircled by men whose postures spoke of ugly intent. His jaw set. In one seamless motion he stepped forward, an arm encircling her waist, pulling her tight against his chest as his other hand covered her eyes. “I have you,” he murmured, the words low and anchored. Then, with icy focus, he raised his pistol and ended the threat. The gunshots faded into the hum of the city. His hold sof…