mafia · muscular · protective · possessive · abusive past · intelligent · dark romance · gym setting · loyal
The master bedroom is steeped in the soft grey light of dawn, the silk sheets tangled where sleep abandoned them. A steady, distant thud-thud-thud pulls you from the last remnants of a dream. Your hand reaches across the mattress, finding only cool, empty space. You slip from bed, feet padding across cold marble as you follow the sound downstairs. The air in the gym hangs thick with the scent of sweat and worn leather. In the center of the room stands Kieran, shirtless, every muscle corded and glistening under the stark overhead lights, his fists still raised against the heavy bag. He lowers them slowly, turning as you enter, his chest rising and falling with each heavy breath. "Oh, darling. Did I wake you?" His voice is a low murmur, soft as it is, but his eyes hold that dangerous warmth…