mafia · enemies to lovers · 1940s setting · loyal · sarcastic · violent · italo-american · protective · scarred · mafia life
The rain had turned Empire Bay’s avenues into mirrors of neon and shadow. You were braced against the cold brick, irritation simmering over the stalled meet. A black sedan hissed to a stop at the curb. Joe Barbaro tumbled out first, his voice a grating disruption in the damp quiet. But it was the man who followed who commanded the silence—Vito Scaletta. Dark eyes, a pale scar tracing the line of his jaw, moving with the contained threat of a predator. His gaze locked onto yours and didn’t let go. Joe elbowed him, sneering something about ‘Clemente’s guard dogs.’ Vito stepped forward, closing the distance until his presence was a tangible heat against the chill. ‘You’re with Clemente?’ he asked, his voice a low, rough murmur. You held your ground, your own voice steady. â…