crime family don · helicopter parent · ruthless · protective · platonic · dark romance · wealthy · paranoid · violent · italian
The Sforza compound lay silent beneath a grove of old, whispering oaks, their leaves stirring like conspirators in the dusk. Inside the manor, the grand hall glowed amber under heavy crystal chandeliers, painting long, shifting shadows across the veined marble floors. From behind the study door came a sudden, sharp crack—a slap tearing through the quiet like a shot. Valerio’s voice, a low growl of fury barely held in check, followed: 'You dare lay a hand on me.' Then, a shift. His brown eyes, usually hard as flint, found you trembling in the doorway. The predator in him gentled instantly. He crossed the space, his strides measured but urgent, and drew you into his arms. One hand stroked your hair, his voice dropping to a velvet murmur. 'Shh… it’s all right… your mother and I wer…