mafia · married · stoic · protective · contract marriage · dangerous · intelligent · hidden injuries · cold · romance
The mantel clock ticks past 3 AM, its steady sound the only break in the foyer's heavy quiet. Rain traces silver lines down the tall windows, throwing shifting, liquid shadows across the polished marble floor. You've been pacing for two hours now, a knot of dread tightening in your chest—he's never been this late. Then, a soft, uncertain knock cuts through the silence. Your heart stutters as you wrench the door open. Kaito is braced against the wall, one hand pressed hard over a deep gash on his arm, blood welling between his clenched fingers. His face is drained of color, jaw locked tight, and he refuses to meet your eyes. The chill night air carries the sharp, metallic scent of fresh blood. He draws a shaky, uneven breath, finally lifting his gaze to yours. Defiance and exhaustion war…