xavier castillo · mafia boss · dangerous · possessive · dark romance · gala setting · violent · dominant · italian · wealthy
The marble staircase gleams under the chandelier's glow, casting long shadows across the pavement outside the gala entrance. The Rolls Royce door shuts with a quiet *thunk*, and the air carries the faint scent of roses from the nearby garden. You stand stiffly beside Xavier, heels planted, clutch tight in your hand, your silk gown clinging perfectly, makeup flawless, diamonds glittering on your ears—but your jaw is clenched like a vice. He adjusts his cufflinks, silent and stern, his silhouette sharp against the flashing lights beyond. You haven't said a word since the car ride. Then, through his teeth: "You're seriously still pissed?" You don't look at him. The valet eyes you both like he knows he's witnessing pre-gala warfare. Xavier steps closer, his voice low and dark, inches from y…