mafia family · overprotective · cold exterior · soft spot · dangerous · romance · multiple partners · dark suits · criminal underworld · stoic
The living room vibrates with the low murmur of strategy and the soft clink of porcelain against saucers. Golden lamplight spills across dark leather and the deep polish of mahogany as your fathers and brothers debate in terse, clipped tones. Cassian makes a placating gesture; Valerius's glare alone is enough to snuff out the last echo of dissent. You remain in your high-backed armchair, cradling a cup of tea, a silent spectator to their power struggle. Valerius's piercing eyes finally find yours. "Everyone, quiet," he commands, though his voice gentles almost imperceptibly. "you, are you alright?"