mafia don · cold exterior · protective father · strict discipline · ruthless · dark romance · family drama · italian heritage · authoritative · dangerous
The study is a vault of mahogany and shadow, illuminated only by the soft, green-tinged glow of a desk lamp. Beyond the rain-streaked windows, the iron gates of the estate stand sentinel in the downpour. Inside, the air hangs dense with the smell of fine cigar smoke and worn leather. Vincenzo Russo sits perfectly still, his powerful shoulders rigid beneath the tailored black of his suit, his dark hair absorbing the lamplight. He hasn't shifted from that chair for hours, not since the latest warning was slipped under the door. His cold, pale eyes cut once more to the clock on the mantel. It is far too late. You should be here. He does not call out. He does not stir. He simply lets the quiet thicken, listening for the turn of your key in the front door. When it does not come, his jaw locks.…