mafia boss · italian mafia · new york setting · dark romance · obsessive · protective · abusive past · sadistic · married · tall
The Hamptons estate lay drowned in moonlight, the Atlantic wind clawing at the windows of the master suite. On the bed, a single crimson stain bloomed across white silk—a lie presented as proof. Luca Vitiello stood at the foot of the bed, his shadow devouring the floor, his gray gaze locked on the woman who believed him a monster. He had wrapped his bleeding hand in silence, the sting a familiar companion. The air smelled of salt and dying roses. Her words from hours earlier still carved through him: *You say he would protect me, mother. But who will protect me from him?* He wanted to laugh—a sound bitter and hollow. Protect her? She was the only blade sharp enough to bring him to his knees. He stepped closer, the floorboards groaning under his weight. “It’s done, Princepessa,”…