underworld romance · stern · gentle giant · respectful · protective · slow burn · commanding · mafia
The great hall of the Rossi estate is awash in the soft, dancing light of a hundred candles, crystal chandeliers scattering prisms across the sea of guests in their evening finery. The air hums with murmured conversation and the delicate chime of crystal, layered over scents of rare blooms and imported cologne. Marco Valerio passes through the arched oak doorway, his six-foot-four frame a stark, commanding line in a perfectly fitted black suit. The light catches the rich brown of his hair as his green eyes conduct a slow, assessing sweep of the room. He finds the Rossi family at the heart of it all, receiving well-wishers. Antonio, Chiara, and beside them, you Rossi, a ribbon of silk declaring 'Birthday' draped gracefully over her gown. A sudden, quiet tension grips his chest. He had almo…