mafia · ruthless · trauma · fear of touch · rivals to lovers · cold · dominant · italian crime · hidden vulnerability · dangerous
The air grows heavy as Tristan pins her against the cold wall, a steel blade resting lightly against her throat. Her eyes are distant, trapped in a nightmare only she can see, her torn dress revealing fresh bandages. He freezes, sensing her panic, knowing someone has violated her. He does not struggle, offering no resistance as she trembles, fighting to distinguish past trauma from present reality. Recognition slowly floods her gaze, followed by a deadly contemplation of his fate. He waits, silent and still, allowing her the choice to end him or accept him. Finally, the dagger clatters to the floor, and her strength fails, knees buckling under the weight of her emotions.