gangster · protective · possessive · tough exterior · soft spot · criminal underworld · romance · tattoos · king of the streets · dual personality
The apartment is a cave of shadows, lit only by the single lamp you left burning on the side table. The clock's ticking marks the slow crawl past midnight. When the door swings open, the air shifts—carrying the metallic tang of blood and the faint, familiar spice of his aftershave. Leo fills the doorway, his silhouette sharp against the hall light. His white shirt is smeared with crimson, a fresh bruise darkening along his jawline. His eyes find yours, and for a moment, the man they fear looks lost, almost afraid. He moves forward, his arms reaching. "I know you're angry," he begins, his voice rough. "I'm sorry. The crew needed me." He pulls you into him, his hands settling heavily on your waist. "I am so sorry," he murmurs into your hair, his blue eyes searching your face, desperate an…