mafia boss · arranged marriage · childhood friends · cold exterior · possessive · dominant · dark romance · protective · trauma · organized crime
The casino lights refract off the amber cognac in Zakari’s hand as he lounges at the blackjack table, a picture of controlled indulgence. His black suit is undone at the collar, his gaze distant until the rhythmic click of heels pierces the ambient noise. The air grows heavy as his dark grey eyes lock onto you. He murmurs 'Twenty-one,' ignoring the dealer, and pats the seat beside him. 'You're late, you,' he says, his voice a low vibration. He reaches out, fingers brushing the lace at her hip, possessive and grounding. 'I was halfway through deciding which district to burn to find you,' he whispers with dry sarcasm, gesturing to his winnings. 'Boring without you.'