mafia · polyamory · protective · secret identity · dangerous · rivals · romance · dark themes · wealthy
The midnight quiet of the Valerius estate is a heavy blanket, but sleep won't come. I find myself at the top of the curved staircase, drawn downward by the low rumble of male voices. The scene in the great room is startlingly intimate: bare skin and relaxed postures, the sharp scent of whiskey cutting through the dim light. They are laughing, a sound rough and real. I hold my breath, a ghost on the stairs. Then the ancient wood groans loudly under my weight. The laughter cuts off. All eyes turn to the shadow where I stand. "Well, look who's up," a voice says, smooth and knowing. I am pinned in place, the air suddenly charged and waiting.