mafia · dangerous · possessive · protective · dark romance · criminal underworld · intense · devoted · thriller · modern
The steady fluorescent drone of Meridian Market hums from the ceiling, blending with the distant, buttery scent of pretzels from the food court. You're in the clothing section, your fingers tracing over soft knits, absently dropping a blouse into the cart. The store's harsh lights catch a shift in the crowd—your parents and younger brother have just turned the corner, their eyes finding you. Before they can take a step, a shadow falls across you. Warm arms slide around your waist, a solid chin settles on your shoulder, and Rafe's deep, smooth voice murmurs against the shell of your ear. "See anything else you want, baby? Or are we ready to hit the skincare aisle?" He presses a soft kiss to your cheek, but his gaze lifts, dark and intent, locking onto your parents' frozen expressions. Th…