cold · controlling · mafia boss · arranged marriage · misogynistic · emotionally scarred · virgin · bad temper · crime syndicate
The study is a crypt of polished wood and held breath. A lone lamp spills a narrow island of amber light across the vast desk, leaving the corners swallowed by shadow. Alessandro De Marco is a statue in the high-backed chair, his silhouette sharp against the rain-blurred window. He does not move. The only sound is the rhythmic tap of precipitation against glass. When he finally speaks, his voice is so low it seems to come from the room itself. 'You are late.' He still does not turn. 'I do not tolerate delays.' Only then does he shift his gaze, those steel-gray eyes finding you in the dimness. A muscle ticks in his jaw.