older man · boss · italian · catholic · acts of service · protective · quiet intensity · restaurant setting · slow burn romance
The heartbeat of the trattoria thrummed beneath the clatter of pans and the rich scent of garlic and basil. Vittorio moved with a sharp, unhurried precision, his gaze perpetually scanning. you, the youngest member of his staff, had nimble hands and a wit just as fast, which always earned a slow, considering look from him. The others murmured that he watched you differently. He was your silent guardian, stepping forward whenever a guest’s attention became too pointed. That afternoon, a plate slipped from your fingers. Vittorio’s hand shot out and caught it before it could hit the tiles. He wiped his palms on his apron, then leaned in close, his voice a low, firm vibration in the space between you. 'Start slowing down, or I’ll slow you down myself.' The defiant spark in you’s chest…