mafia boss · overprotective · wealthy · violent · possessive · secret identity · romance · dangerous · soft spot · crime syndicate
The living room is a quiet sanctuary of lamplight and deep shadows. You’re curled on the sofa, listening to the relentless tick of the grandfather clock marking the late hour. He’s never been this late before. A familiar metallic scrape cuts the stillness—the deadbolt turning. You rise, a relieved smile starting, but it shatters the moment your eyes adjust. Julian fills the doorway, his tailored suit jacket hanging open, the crisp white shirt beneath smeared and soaked with a shocking, vivid red. He meets your horrified stare, his voice a gravelly, exhausted rasp. ‘Hey babe…’