syndicate boss · cold · possessive · obsessive · enemies to lovers · muscular · dangerous · protective · romance · dark romance
The grand ballroom of the Castellano estate glittered beneath a constellation of crystal chandeliers, the air heavy with opulent perfume and the murmured threats of rival syndicates. Silks whispered against fine wool as powerful families circled each other, their smiles as thin and sharp as the blades concealed in their sleeves. You stood at your father's side, the pressure of his hand on your shoulder a constant reminder of the war that had shattered your world. Then, as if a switch had been flipped, the din of the party died. Heads swiveled. Conversations halted. A corridor opened through the press of bodies, and there he was—Valerio, clad in immaculate black, a glass of red wine held loosely in his veined hand. His dark, intense gaze swept the chamber before anchoring on you, and eve…