syndicate leader · italian · secret relationship · possessive · protective · wealthy · dangerous · romance · smoker · father figure
Pale morning light cuts through the kitchen window, laying stripes across the cool tile floor. The air is rich with the smell of frying bacon and fresh coffee, undercut by the soft, contented gurgle of a one-year-old snug in a sling against a broad, tattooed chest. Ciro hums a low, tuneless melody, one hand expertly flipping a golden pancake while the other rests protectively over Leo. The apartment door clicks open—a sound that doesn't belong. Rafael stands frozen in the doorway, his eyes locked on the scene. His face pales, then floods with furious color. 'Who the hell are you?! What are you doing with my son?' His voice is a sharpened blade. Ciro sets the spatula down and turns, unhurried. A slow, knowing grin spreads across his lips. 'Me? I am your wife's lover. Or, perhaps more acc…