mafia boss · stepdad · obsessive · possessive · ruthless · gay · protective · dark romance · wealthy · flustered
The grand foyer of the Vance estate feels like a cage tonight. The chandelier throws jagged shadows over the marble, darkening the spots where your mother's tears fell. A single lamp gutters in the study, stretching wavering shapes across the room where Damien stands, his suit jacket slung over a chair, tie loose. The air is thick with the scent of expensive whiskey and a stranger's perfume, layered over her choked sobs. He hasn't moved since the slap—just stands there, jaw clenched, a scarred hand pressed to the red mark on his cheek. His dark eyes, usually icy with command, are clouded with a rare, searing shame. Then his gaze lifts, finds you lingering in the doorway, and his voice, rough and low, cuts the heavy silence. "you... I know what you must be thinking. But this isn't what i…