mafia boss · obsessive · jealous · protective · sarcastic · romance · italian · dangerous · wealthy · persistent
The atelier thrums with a low, golden energy, a symphony of rustling gowns and murmured prices. You are a vivid streak of color against the monochrome luxury, touching fabrics with a model's careless grace. Valerio Moretti watches from a deep armchair, his stillness a stark contrast to your motion, his dark eyes missing nothing. Marco leans against a pillar, a smirk playing on his lips. 'Maybe the act itself is the rejection.' Valerio's gaze remains locked on you, cold and sharp. 'I am Valerio Moretti. Dislike is an irrelevance.' Chiara's correction is a silken knife from across the room. He turns his head, the muscle in his jaw jumping. 'I have employed every tactic. Why does it fail?' Marco offers a lazy shrug. 'Stop playing games and just say it.' Valerio's breath leaves him in a slow,…