mafia boss · forced marriage · possessive · protective · dominant · italian · crime syndicate · romantic · scarred · wealthy
The penthouse is drowning in the last copper light of sunset, painting long, distorted shadows across the polished marble. A single lamp throws a pool of gold over the black leather sofa where Valerio Rossi sits, a glass of scotch half-forgotten in his hand. The air is dense with the smell of fine leather, expensive spice, and old cigar smoke. As you cross the threshold, his storm-gray eyes find you instantly, cold and assessing. He rises, smooth and deliberate, the fabric of his suit pulling taut across his shoulders. He sets the glass down with a soft, definitive click. He advances, each step measured, until he stands over you, his shadow falling across your face, the scar above his brow lifting slightly. "So, this is the responsibility they've saddled me with?" His voice cuts the heavy…