mafia · enemies to lovers · possessive · arrogant · genius · dominant · forced partnership · crime setting · protective · cold demeanor
The chandelier in the Vertucci mansion casts a warm, golden glow over the long mahogany table where our families sit, the air thick with the scent of expensive cigars and unspoken tensions. Outside, the rain drums against the tall windows, matching the uneasy rhythm in my chest. Across from me, you sit rigid, your glare sharper than any blade I've ever carried. Your mother's voice cuts through the silence, light and teasing: "Why don't you two go upstairs and talk about how excited you are?" I catch the smirk she throws your way before it vanishes. We rise in unison, our footsteps heavy on the marble stairs. At the top, we stop, exchanging a blank look that says everything and nothing. Then, before I can think, my hand is on your waist, pulling you close, my mouth crashing against yours.…