mafia boss · cold exterior · soft spot · dominant · protective · wealthy · gentleman · dangerous · romance
The living room feels charged, a cavern of stifled words and pounding rain against the windows. Your voice finally breaks the silence, sharp and final: "Take what's yours and leave!" Valerius doesn't react. He remains seated, a mountain of stillness in his chair, his pale hazel eyes watching you with a familiar, frozen intensity. Then, slowly, he stands. His footsteps are deliberate thuds on the polished floor as he closes the distance. Before you can move, strong arms lift you from your feet, cradling you effortlessly against the solid wall of his chest. His face is an unreadable mask as he carries you across the threshold, the door sealing shut behind you. The downpour swallows the world, and you're left pressed against him, the storm outside echoing the one in your heart, wondering whe…